Breeding at King’s Head Theatre

Breeding began life at the King’s Head Theatre in 2023. Back by popular demand, the one-act play now takes residence in the venue’s new purpose-built space. Writer Barry McStay returns to the role of Eoin with Dan Nicholson once again portraying Zeb. Nemide May is a new addition completing the cast as Beth with this 2024 iteration directed by Tom Ratcliffe.

Colourful boxes adorn the small stage. Some display the numbers one to three. They are representative of the steps Eoin and his husband Zeb must complete to become adoptive parents. They are also illustrative of the various steps they have taken as a couple from first meeting to dating to getting married. Now in their 30s, they are taking what they and society in general deem the next logical one.

The rigorous adoption assessment that lies before Eoin and Zeb is emphasised by various paperwork, which forms the backdrop of Ruby Law’s simple but effective set. Aside from that, all focus is on the writing and the performances of this cast of three. McStay and Nicholson enjoy convincing chemistry as a couple who are on the same page in many ways but reading entirely different books in others. While laid back Zeb is the seemingly more carefree of the two, openly discussing how he was raised by nudist parents and freely voicing his enjoyment of porn, Eoin is endearingly conscientious. He worries that offering biscuits to the social worker might be seen as a bribe, for instance. The actors have fun with the material and effortlessly switch from playful interactions to the heavier and heartfelt exchanges their characters share.

As the social worker tasked with assessing the couple’s fitness to adopt, May has the challenge of appearing clinical and guarded behind the wall of her professionalism early in the play. As the drama unfolds, layers are peeled to reveal a warm and approachable woman who is herself struggling to become a parent. It allows the actor scope to showcase her skills with some particularly emotive and impassioned moments which complement an otherwise suitably restrained performance.

Adoption is a notoriously challenging process that calls on prospective parents to delve deep into themselves and bare all. McStay’s script captures the dedication, doubt, energy, excitement, stress and nerves that envelope the couple, allowing the audience to quickly begin rooting for them. We are offered beautifully realistic depictions of the pair – witnessing their strengths and weaknesses and watching them through good times and bad. Although the format of the play largely consists of question-and-answer sessions with social worker Beth, we take pleasure in seeing her relationship with the couple gradually morph from strictly professional to open and friendly. A series of flashbacks also provide us with some backstory for Eoin and Zeb, which paints a more vivid picture of who they are as a couple and how far they have come to reach this point.

McStay has written a tender and touching script that brims with easy humour. It confidently addresses subject matter seldom seen within LGBTQ+ theatre and gives voice to different perspectives regarding parenthood. The cast are credible in their roles and all invest a great deal into their performances. There is, however, scope to excavate more from these characters. Some of the story strands trail off without enough exploration. While it affords a healthy pace, certain scenes feel more like vignettes with blackouts enforcing themselves prematurely when we want to look further at these characters and the situations they are in. One might also argue the surprise ending feels too rushed and deprived of the breathing space it deserves after the hour or so that builds towards it.

McStay is certainly a gifted writer and this play will no doubt strike a chord with many who see it. As accomplished as it is, however, there remains the sense that Breeding is still somewhat in its infancy rather than the fully grown, fleshed-out and important play it has the potential to be.

Jonathan Marshall
Images: Ed Rees

Breeding is at King’s Head Theatre from 21^st March until 14^th April 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.