“In a literal wild romp of a play, Puppy manages to make dogging and pornography both wholesome and heart-wrenching“
Every Tuesday evening a small group gathers to go dogging. An eclectic and diverse club, they seem to offer not only community from an erotic standpoint, but from a social standpoint too. Richard and Susan (Ian Hallard and Tia Dunn), a posh couple who have been married for many years, provide an almost parental care, while enjoying this explicit activity that, according to them, saved their marriage. Dave and Sandra (Ed Larkin and Maria Austin) offer fun, youthful optimism, whilst Ed secretly works on an enormous series of erotic novels. Maya (Amy Revelle) stands as the group’s quasi-manic-pixie-dream-girl without the sexist overtones, a famous pornstar and volunteer librarian.
The show is kicked off when Jaz (Ashling O’Shea) attends one of the weekly dogging sessions. With thinly veiled ulterior motives, Jaz seems to be a little unsure of her place there. When it comes to light that Jaz was only attending the session to talk to Maya, who she has seen at the library, the two kick off a tender relationship. Their lives become increasingly intertwined; Jaz becomes a more enthusiastic participant in the group, the two start a porn company together and eventually move into a shared home. As their relationship and business becomes more serious, cracks begin to show in their union. When the government introduces a legislation that bans certain sexual acts from pornography, their company is jeopardized and lands in great turmoil. A heartfelt journey commences, one of humorous innuendo as well as tender romance.
Naomi Westerman, Puppy’s creator, created a truly delightful production. Puppy is a joyous piece that lives up to the ideology of feminist pornography. The production is thought-provoking and wonderfully inclusive, seamlessly including these principles so that they feel at home in this play, rather than a performative activity — the play truly embodies these conceptions, rather than shallowly portraying them. The stage, bedecked in oversized pillows, abstract shapes and cozy lighting, is transformational and feels incredibly comfortable as an audience member.
This iteration of the play is an abridged version, and falls victim to some slight structural confusion, an easy trap to fall in. Nevertheless, Puppy is a genuine joy to watch. Catch it this month at Kings Head Theatre, tickets are available here.