Dan Nicholson stars as Zeb in the world premiere of Breeding – a funny, moving drama about adopting as queer parents – which will headline the King’s Head Theatre’s second Takeover season.
Breeding by Barry McStay, is part of A Queer Interrogation, the second season of the Takeover, curated by Guest Artistic Director Tom Ratcliffe, playing at the iconic Islington pub theatre 19 April – 14 May. In the final week, from 8 – 14 May, Tom will be working with artists such as writer, actor and director Rikki Beadle-Blair to produce Platform Festival – a full week of work-in-progress writing aimed at promoting new LGBTQI+ stories and voices.
Breeding, written by Barry McStay (Vespertilio) and directed by Matthew Iliffe (Off-West End Award Winner, Bacon), will play from 19 April – 7 May.
You’re starring in Breeding at the King’s Head Theatre, what can you tell us about this new play?
It’s a sharp, funny and moving piece of new writing by the brilliant Barry McStay that explores three very different characters’ relationship to prospective parenthood.
What was it about Barry McStay’s script that made you want to be part of this production?
Basically everything, but particularly his ability to balance emotional depth and humour.
How does it feel to be part of Tom Ratcliffe’s Takeover season?
Exciting. Good new writing is like gold dust and it’s an honour and a privilege to play my part in bringing this particular queer story to life – hopefully in a way that can capture at least some of its richness and complexity.
You’re playing Zeb, what can you tell us about the character and what are you enjoying most about the role?
Zeb is a dream of a part. He’s adventurous, life-loving and kind but has a delicious sense of mischief and play too.
Has anything about the role or the play surprised you?
Yes lots! New things emerge every day, which feels like confirmation of how rich and intricate the writing is.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Breeding?
Do it! This is a luminous new play that is thought-provoking, psychologically rich, relevant, humane and hopefully really entertaining. It’s attracted a really special group of artists who’ve poured their passion and talent into it so the results should be beautiful. Come and see for yourself!
