Puppy, the bold and sex-positive comedy, is set to make waves at King’s Head Theatre this April, starring Ashling O’Shea, it delves into the lives of two young women who meet while dogging and embark on a journey of love and feminist porn production.
Written by Naomi Westerman, Puppy tackles themes of queerness, protest, and the patriarchy with humor and originality. The play promises to challenge societal norms while celebrating queer joy and love.
Catch Puppy at King’s Head Theatre from April 1 – 27. Book your tickets here.
You’re starring in Puppy at King’s Head Theatre. What can you tell us about the show?
It’s a breath of fresh air! It’s silly and funny whilst also exploring some difficult and rarely had conversations. It subverts expectations and assumptions around sex, porn, kink, relationships, queerness and community and does it all in a really fun and often tender way.
What drew you to the role of Jaz in Puppy, and how do you relate to the character?
I was drawn to Jaz because, like most of us, she’s on a journey of exploring her identity. There are few things I find more interesting than that in a person or a character. Her search for community is something I can really relate to. As a queer brown woman there are plenty of spaces that have presented themselves to me as inclusive and safe, yet have turned out to be quite the opposite. I think the intersections of Jaz’s identity is something we don’t often explore on stage or screen without tired stereotypes, I was drawn to her and the opportunity to try something different here.
Can you share some memorable moments or audience reactions from previous performances?
There have been a few times where the laugher has been so long and loud we’ve had to hold off the next lines for a bit… There was one show where the audience absolutely loved this random thing we tried and it was so tough to hold a straight face as we waited because we knew the next few lines were actually quite tender and vulnerable moments for the characters. It’s like trying not to laugh during a test! I love these kinds of moments because it just reminds you how huge a role the audience has to play in a show, they can shape the things we try in such a beautifully collaborate way.
How has your experience been working with the cast and crew of Puppy?
Honestly, it’s been dreamy. The entire team is so generous with their support, humour and kindness. I don’t think many of us have had this experience of feeling so held by every member of the team, from daily check ins to intimacy coordination to an artist well-being session, we have been so looked after. Essentially, this is a play about relationships so the fact we have formed such a safe environment feels so important. We’re really lucky.
How do you and your co-stars prepare for the challenging themes explored in Puppy?
As a team we’re really good at giving each other the space and support to talk through whatever we’re thinking or feeling about something. There are a few themes in the show and things that have come up in the exploration of our characters that could be really tricky. In some spaces those things can be really hard to voice in the moment but there is always someone available and wanting to listen/chat things through whenever you’re ready. It’s a blessing.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Puppy?
What’re you waiting for?! If you want to have a giggle and maybe learn a few things along the way, this is exactly the kind of show you need to come and see.
