SGfringe - Scotsgay
****
Cock and Bull Story
New Town Theatre
This is great fun and also heartbreaking. Travis (who hates to be called Rupert) is training for his big fight. His best mate, Jacko, is helping him prepare. It is very clear that Jacko can hardly keep his hands off any part of Travis, but also mocks him for his lack of success with girls. Despite this, they both indulge in a lot of homophobic language, and the ned Jacko boasts of his queerbashing successes.
The dynamism of the two actors and the lively persistence with which they interrogate each other keeps this moving at a brisk pace. Jacko (Matt Robertson) has to maintain a frantic front, probably he can hardly admit even to himself his deepest feelings –and cannot react when Travis (Maxi Moffat) strips nude before putting on his fight gear. But there are moments of near despair on the part of each.
There is much banter about the use of condoms, and talk about sharing a flat in London when Travis is successful – and enjoying loads of birds down there. Hmm. As I said, hilarious but deeply sad.
The two actors maintain a manic pace and perform with tremendous energy. Enjoy watching these two splendid actors – while not forgetting the culture of the “boy tribe” which can still make guys like this miss out on what they most want.
Writer Richard Crowe is London Olympics 2012 Creative Programmer. Which is very interesting indeed.
