Sadly once again I am faced with no programme and only a QR code, which I am unable to use, so sadly unable to credit anyone by name.
'Cougar' tells the story of two adults (Robbie and Rebecca), both of whom have known tragedy in their lives as their respective partners both dies in tragic circumstances, leaving them with a huge whole in their lives and an uncertainty as to how to cope. Both however have now decided to try dating again, and we start out tale with their very first date together. The play follows their lives and their deepening feelings / love for each other, and shows - with a deal of humour - how their past experiences impact and inform their current decisions. Robbie is only 30, but his wife died just shortly after childbirth (his daughter is only 5 years' old) whilst Rebecca is some 12 years' older with two grown up children. The sensitive issues are handled with aplomb, and the two sparked off each other nicely. There was a real chemistry between them as their relationship developed and deepened.
The set was minimalist, and sufficed; however I doubt very much that a 30 year old man would have white furniture in his house. This did not seem right at all.
The twice they spoke directly to the audience was a little contrived and unnecessary, and the backlit sections were a nice idea but did not truly work as well as perhaps they ought to have done. The film projection on the white cloth to the rear again did not work too well sadly. Most of the images were a little blurred and I was uncertain as to what some were meant to represent.
Starting as a romantic comedy, the play soon worked its way into much deeper territory, (raising awareness for the problems facing older women during pregnancy / childbirth) and yet, the two still managed to keep things light and their cumulative energy and the balance in their differences made for interesting viewing. The dialogue was kept flowing nicely and was naturalistic in nature. However, there were a few times when their voices dipped just a little too much and became inaudible on the back row. This was particularly true for Rebecca. sadly.
A rather predictable, but sensibly and sensitively performed piece of theatre.
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
On - 2.7.25
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