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A sparklingly original and moving account of a queer couple trying to adopt a child, Breeding takes the audience on an emotional journey with hope and grief in equal measure.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Full disclosure: I have been desperate to get to the new King’s Head theatre in Islington since it opened its doors in January. Originally housed in the back room of a pub on Upper Street, this was the oldest pub theatre in London and is a critical part of fringe theatre. So, did it meet my expectations? Absolutely. What a lovely space: from the bar to the 200 seater auditorium and appealing cabaret area, it’s light and airy and spacious. And what a great setting for Breeding, a play by Barry McStay that tells the story of a queer couple trying to adopt a child.
The starting point has to be the set, simply because it is one of the most eye catching and plot relevant designs I have seen in a long time. Created by Ruby Law, the back wall comprises square blocks in primary colours, with a few moveable and numbered cubes which are frequently repurposed to become seats. A blue walkway snakes its way across the stage with intermittent floor level lighting for dramatic effect, and forms needed for the adoption process are pulled as if by magic from the blocks on the wall. A lovely bright and imaginative space, it is reminiscent of the most welcoming of child friendly rooms.
We meet Eoin (Barry McStay) and Zeb (Dan Nicholson) as they begin the process of trying to adopt a child. Much of the early action focuses on the mind numbingly frustrating exercises that the would-be parents need to undertake to demonstrate their suitability as parents. Scenarios are to be imagined or planned for, and references taken from a plethora of friends, family and ex-lovers. Both McStay and Nicholson convey the desperation and frustration they feel throughout the process. Humour is used well to diffuse the omnipresent sense of jeopardy, and family histories highlight the differences between the pair’s childhoods. Occasionally a throwaway remark is made about the ease and lack of regulation for those who have a child without adoption, partly in comedy, but also in anger.
Beth (Nemide May) is their case worker. As the story proceeds, her own desire for a family begins to creep through. Beth is both professional and human, and we see her character expand in line with the plot as we learn more about her personal life. And then there’s a plot twist or four. No spoilers here, but the many changes in direction are unexpected.
The emotional attachment the audience has to these three personae is hard to overestimate. The strength of writing and acting means we live every moment with each character and ultimately end up in a place that is far from where we thought we would. Breeding is a thoughtful and moving account of adoption, family life and queer love. The nuanced and clever script does McStay credit and although the plot covers a lot of ground, to the extent that it feels as if there might be one too many twists, it unwaveringly normalises the non-heterosexual family unit with love, dignity and humour. Powerful but subtle acting from all completes the piece.
Written by: Barry McStay
Directed by: Tom Ratcliffe
Set and Costume Design by: Ruby Law
Sound Design by: Jac Cooper
Lighting Design by: Rachel Sampley
Produced by: Gabriella Sills Productions & Seabright Live
Breeding plays at King’s Head Theatre until 14 April. Further information and bookings can be found here.
