Cock first look: Jonathan Bailey and Taron Egerton are a couple on the brink
New production images for the West End revival of Mike Bartlett's provocative play have been released.
By Will Stroude
Words: Will Stroude; Images: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
Cock in the West End may have got off to an unexpectedly dramatic start when Taron Egerton fainted mid-way through the first preview performance last weekend, but as they say in the theatre, the show must go on.
Despite nursing a “sore neck and a bruised ego”, Egerton was back on stage opposite Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey on Monday, and now Cock producers have shared the first prodcuction images from the show (which you can get tickets for here).
Written by Mike Bartlett and first staged in 2009 with Fleabag‘s Andrew Scott and This Is Going To Hurt‘s Ben Whishaw in the lead roles, Cock tells the story of a same-sex couple whose relationship is thrown into turmoil when one of them begins falling in love with a woman.
Jonathan Bailey (John) in Cock
The latest revival is directed by Marianne Elliott and co-stars Jade Anuka and Phil Daniels.
In a statement, Elliott says: “I feel so excited to be working on this beautifully crafted and hilarious play by Mike Bartlett. It keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. A truly theatrical piece in that it asks the audience to enter the imagination of the storytelling – as only live theatre can do.
“It’s also all about the acting so to have such a talented, highly experienced, stellar cast is an absolute dream!’
Mike Bartlett added: “I love Marianne Elliott’s work and have done for a long time, so I’m thrilled to be able to collaborate with her on this revival. Especially with this incredible cast, which I know will bring both a fresh take and vast experience to a play about love, identity and the passionate human being.”
Jonathan Bailey (John) in Cock
Taron Egerton as ‘M’ in Cock
Jonathan Bailey (John) Jade Anouka (W) in Cock
Jonathan Bailey (John), Phil Daniels (F) Taron Egerton (M) Jade Anouka (W) in Cock
Phil Daniels (F) Taron Egerton (M) in Cock
Phil Daniels (F) Taron Egerton (M) in Cock
Jade Anouka (W) Jonathan Bailey (John) in Cock
Jade Anouka (W) Jonathan Bailey (John) in Cock
Jade Anouka (W) Jonathan Bailey (John) in Cock
Taron Egerton (M) Jonathan Bailey (John) in Cock
Cock is at London’s Ambassadors Theatre until Saturday 4 June 2022. For tickets click here.