MORE THAN A LABEL: A FIVE-STAR TRIUMPH OF IDENTITY AND EMOTION

By Natasha U’Ren-Ashdown | @tasha.ua ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

With a title like this, you go in not quite knowing what to expect. I certainly didn’t anticipate Cock to deliver such emotional depth, passion and humour. This was easily one of the best productions I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. A true five-star performance in every sense.

The set design was incredibly clever. The basement-like space created an intimate atmosphere, with around twenty of us seated in a rectangle, divided by four pallet-style benches on each side. The actors moved seamlessly between them throughout the scenes. Transitions in mood and setting were beautifully signalled through subtle lighting changes, all executed with perfect timing by the cast.

At its core, the play explores the seven-year relationship between John (Aidan Desalaiz) and his long-term partner (Michael Torontow) and what appears to be the natural unravelling of it. What follows is John’s emotional conflict. Having only ever been with men, he suddenly finds himself in a completely new relationship with a woman (Tess Benger). It’s a powerful exploration of sexuality, identity, and the human need to label and define.

The chemistry between John and his long-term partner is undeniable. At times, it doesn’t feel like you’re watching a play at all, but sitting in their living room, witnessing something deeply personal. Their connection, their timing, every interaction felt effortless. I was genuinely in awe of their talent; not once did they falter. At the point where the dynamic already felt complete, the arrival of the mystery woman proved me wrong. Her quirks and vibrant energy brought something fresh and compelling. Her playfulness lifted the tone beautifully, offering contrast to the underlying tension. What struck me most was how natural Tess Benger’s acting felt and how commanding her presence was. Truly exceptional. At moments, her mannerisms even reminded me of Rachel McAdams, in her emotional nuance, movement, and those subtle, exhausted glances away while others spoke.

At the moment the performance feels fully revealed, John’s long-term partner’s father (Kevin Bundy) enters the scene, joining the dinner to weigh in on John’s choice: to weigh in on John’s choice: to return to his long-term partner or continue his relationship with the woman. His presence offers a refreshing twist on the stereotypical older generation: delivering sly yet ultimately supportive remarks about the gay community, and firmly encouraging John to stay with his son. It injects a new layer of tension into an already charged dynamic, deepening the intrigue and leaving you even more invested in how it will all unfold.

As the performance unfolded and I became more emotionally invested, I noticed myself unconsciously mirroring the actors’ expressions: smiling, frowning, tensing, questioning. It felt as though I was living the story alongside them. I’ve never experienced that before in theatre, and it genuinely took me by surprise. I kept having to stop myself from doing it.

This production is a gripping emotional rollercoaster. The entire room hung onto every word, completely absorbed, never quite sure how it would all end. Moments of spontaneous laughter or audible reactions from the audience perfectly captured just how immersive the experience was. You don’t just watch this story, you feel it.

Cock is running at COLAB Theatre until Saturday 2 May.

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