Cock and Bull @ New Town Theatre

In this small venue, the audience are within spitting distance of the two talented actors bringing to life Richard Crowe and Richard Zajdlic's story of homophobia and prejudice in the testosterone-fuelled world of Scottish boxing.

Oozing with sexual tension so palpable you could cut it with a knife, Maxi Moffat and Mat Robertson play Travis, an up-and-coming boxer and Jacko, his best mate. Their constant sexual innuendo and one-upmanship when it comes to ‘birds’ hides undertones of a deeply ingrained homophobia on Jacko’s part, and sexual confusion on the part of Travis.

The boys work wonders with a fast-paced, witty and believable script that never falters or leaves the audience bored, with their Scottish slang and accents down to a T. The play contains both humour, moments of high tension and well-choreographed fight scenes, and the audience if continuously guessing at what the ultimate outcome of the two lads’ very hands-on relationship might be.

With Jacko’s volatile temper combined with his previous acts of violence against suspected homosexuals, the final scene is a gripping exposé of the homophobic attitudes ingrained into the psyche of the Scottish ned culture.