Empty, the debut play by journalist and author Robert Nurden, will run at the Drayton Arms Theatre in London from 7 to 11 July.
Based on Nurden’s 2023 book I Always Wanted To Be A Dad: Men without Children, the play examines the emotional realities of being childless by circumstance, particularly from a male perspective rarely explored on stage.
The production follows David and Amy, whose lives are brought back into collision when an unexpected phone call reignites the shared dream of parenthood that once defined their relationship.
As old emotions resurface, the play questions whether they can confront the decisions that separated them and whether their desires for the future align.
Nurden said, “Men who never achieve their dream of becoming dads experience pain and regret but we hardly ever hear the words. Infertility and being childless by circumstance are taboo subjects. I want to change the way we see this.”
The play expands on testimony from men who have experienced involuntary childlessness, offering what is described as a forensic examination of its complexities and lasting impact.
Empty is directed by OFFIE-nominated David Furlong, whose previous work includes Who is Claude Cahun? at Southwark Playhouse and The Tempests as Young Vic Jerwood Director.
The cast features Paul Kemp, whose stage credits include Imperium at the RSC and Woman in Mind in the West End, alongside Hannah Douglas, known for her screen work in Lapwing and Far from the Madding Crowd.
Running for a strictly limited engagement of five performances, the production offers an intimate and thought-provoking exploration of identity, regret and connection.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
