Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tickets and more information: https://sohotheatre.com/shows/cuckoo/
Booking until: 8th December 2018
Production Photos by: David Gill

Set in a small town in Ireland, Cuckoo follows best friends Iona and Pingu who have had enough of the bullying from the kids in their town. So they decide to emigrate to London for a new life. But once word gets around that they’re planning to move, the popular group of kids in their town begin to take notice but not for the reasons Iona and Pingu were hoping.

Lisa Carroll’s debut play is an absolute knock out. In parts heartbreaking as it is hysterical, Carroll’s writing is witty and sharp but brings back the fear of being a teenager and not fitting in with your peers, making the play feel relatable, even to this gal in her early 20s. The play is performed fantastically by an excellent five piece ensemble. Elise Heaven is heartbreaking as Pingu, even though Pingu is mute the entire play, Heaven manages to convey the pain of not being accepted by your peers. Colin Campbell, Sade Malone and Peter Newington give brilliant performances also. However, this play is a fantastic platform for an incredible tour de force performance from Caitriona Ennis as Iona. Undeniably captivating to watch, I found myself hanging on to Iona’s every word (and there’s a lot, because Iona could talk for Ireland) and her comedic delivery had me howling with laughter at some moments. A truly sensational performance.

In a short run time of just under 2 hours, the time absolutely flew by and I didn’t want it to end. On a personal note, I did love that the set had a Jonas Brothers poster on it, which really took me back to my early teens. Cuckoo is a truly funny play about being teenagers trying to fit in and stand out at the same time and I really loved it. Do check it out.

Until next time,