Cock by Mike Bartlett premiered at the Royal Court in 2009. It is a timely examination of how we define ourselves through the fluidity of sex and love in a script that shifts back and forth from laugh-out-loud funny to heart-wrenchingly poignant.
John has been with his boyfriend for seven years and has only ever been attracted to men. So when a chance encounter leads to him falling for a woman for the first time, a complex triangle occurs as he struggles to choose between them both and feels pressured to define his sexuality and identity in the process.
“Cock by Mike Bartlett is a masterpiece and a joy to direct. Every word is so beautifully crafted, and it speaks to us all in that journey to discover our identities. All the characters are richly drawn and flawed individuals, yet you’ll find yourself rooting for each one at different points as they vie for the upper hand in this metaphorical cock fight.”
Director Nick Edwards
Cock Cast
This production stars Harry Apps, Micky Gibbons, Meher Baluch and Dave Wainwright.
Harry Apps (John) played Marius in Les Miserables (On tour, on the West End Stage and in concert). He also played Tobi as in Sweeney Todd at West Green House Opera and recently performed in Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre.
Micky Gibbons (M) was in the Tower in The Real Inspector Hound and A Doll’s House. He has presented Edinburgh Festival shows as writer and performer, and is currently working on a podcast series with the comedy collective Forced Rhubarb. He can also be heard on several episodes of It Just So Happened: An Alternative History Podcast.
This is Meher Baluch´s (W) first time appearing on stage. She has previously appeared in short films and read for Actors for Human Rights. She’s very excited to perform Cock.
Dave Wainwright (F) first appeared on stage in a National Youth Theatre production of Henry IV Part 2 in 1971, at the Shaw Theatre in London. After a very lengthy break, he returned to the stage in 2022, and has since performed in Under Milk Wood (at the Tower Theatre), Myster, Midas and Whodunit Unrehearsed 3 (at the Park Theatre) and Richard III (at the Bridewell Theatre).
Nick Edwards has acted and directed on the London stage with numerous theatre groups, most notably KDC and SEDOS.
The Tower Theatre has been a finalist for the Off West End People’s Awards in Most Comfortable (2022 & 2023) and Most Welcoming Theatre (2022). Tickets for all productions are half-price on opening night previews.
Cock contains very strong language and sexual references throughout.
Cock by Mike Bartlett runs from 18 – 28 September 2024, at The Tower Theatre, Northwold Road, London, Greater London N16 7HR, United Kingdom.
Cock Production Team
Director: Nick Edwards
Costume Design : Lucy Moss
Lighting Design : Samuel Littley
Sound Design : Stephen Ley
Stage Manager : Bella Cavicchi
Assistant Director : Emily Carmichael
Lighting Operator : Andrea Zatvarnicka or Isla Stewart.
Sound Operator : Kim Zhan
