By James Rushbrooke (2015, Prize Winner)
Southwark Playhouse
Directed by Kate Hewitt. Designed by Lily Arnold. Lighting by Johanna Town. Sound by Richard Hammarton.
Cast: Brian Doherty. Edward Harrison. Diana Kent. Susan Stanley. Eleanor Worthington-Cox.
“Oh, she’s dangerous. But not because of her genes. Because of you.”
In the not-too-distant future, the world is better than ever. Diseases and disorders have been wiped out. But Jess doesn’t belong. She slipped through the net and there’s something dangerous in her DNA, something that must be ‘cured’.
Charlie is watching Jess. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep society safe.
As debate over genetic screening rages, Tomcat’s urgent vision questions the lengths to which we will go to keep humanity healthy.
When you can learn everything about a person on a computer screen, does that mean there’s nothing left to discover?
The winner of the seventh Papatango New Writing Prize, Tomcat was chosen from more than 600 entries.
Nominated for 3 Off West End Awards
“The annual Papatango new writing prize has unearthed some outstanding writers in recent years. This year’s winner, James Rushbrooke, shows similar promise… A good, taut, intelligent 90-minute play that raises all manner of questions.” Michael Billington, The Guardian
“A great playwright is discovered…The key query I want an answer to is ‘When will his next work be ready for us to see?’ I will be in line to witness whatever it may be for sure.” Daniel Perks, A Younger Theatre
“An intriguing fusion of Gattaca and The Silence of the Lambs…A tense affair [which] exerts a real grip…ambitious, question-raising.” Natasha Tripney, The Stage
“It conjures real danger… Rushbrooke’s writing sidles up to this futuristic – though far from far-fetched – society with impeccable control.” Matt Trueman, WhatsOnStage
“The hauntingly prescient world of James Rushbrooke’s Tomcat.” Emma Smith, Exeunt
“Effortlessly tugs at the heartstrings.” Daniel Perks, A Younger Theatre
“A play full of serious issues that suggests Rushbrooke, in his fascination with moral dilemmas, is a genuine ethics man.” Michael Billington, The Guardian
“The beauty of Tomcat is that it throws so many questions at the audience…intriguing and controversial.” Daniel Perks, A Younger Theatre
“Subtly and affectingly played by Brian Doherty and Eleanor Worthington-Cox. Both are superb.” Natasha Tripney, The Stage
“Jessie, superbly played by one time Matilda Eleanor Worthington-Cox.” Matt Trueman, WhatsOnStage
“The excellent cast… Brian Doherty’s Tom is faultless and Eleanor Worthington-Cox as Jessie mesmerises.” Emma Smith, Exeunt
“Eleanor Worthington-Cox [gives] another fine performance, beautifully paired with Doherty’s Tom.” Howard Loxton, British Theatre Guide
“Doherty makes the most of that…A gorgeous performance.” Matt Trueman, WhatsOnStage
“Kate Hewitt’s meticulous production.” Michael Billington, The Guardian
“Kate Hewitt’s masterly direction.” Emma Smith, Exeunt
“Lily Arnold’s slick, symmetrical set…a clever visual subversion.” Emma Smith, Exeunt
