David is gay, disabled and profoundly horny. He can't eat, drink or shower by himself - or wank. Totally inexperienced, he embarks on a sexual and romantic odyssey, armed with a fierce brain, and dick pics that he has to get someone to take.

Can he keep it casual whilst also relying on round-the-clock care? And will he manage the thrill and uncertainty of random hook-ups after a lifetime of knockbacks?

Animal is a hilarious, challenging and heartbreaking play by Jon Bradfield, from a story by Bradfield and Josh Hepple. It won the inaugural Through the Mill Playwriting Prize, was shortlisted for the Papatango Prize, and was first performed at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, and Park Theatre, London, in 2023.

About the Author

Jon Bradfield co-wrote Above The Stag Theatre's acclaimed series of adult pantomimes, and wrote Missing Alice for the BBC and The Old Vic's Queers. Josh Hepple is an activist with severe cerebral palsy, who has worked as a theatre reviewer, an equality trainer and a writer for the Guardian and Huffington Post.

Reviews

'What a joy to discover a play that is so bold, so outspoken and so thoroughly unpredictable... Angry and mischievous, droll and unforgettably poignant. Deserves to be seen on a bigger stage as soon as possible'

* The Times *

'Hard-hitting but wildly entertaining comedy. It's marvellous to find something that deals with so many Big and Important themes in such a breezy, confident way'

* Time Out *

'A bold and brilliant new queer comedy. Absolutely hilarious. Will resonate with anyone who's experienced the world of modern dating'

* Gay Times *

'An exceptional piece of theatre... uniquely brilliant in its sensitive foregrounding of a disabled protagonist... searingly insightful, soulfully intimate and utterly hilarious'

* The Upcoming *

'Hilarious and extremely entertaining... David is a complex and flawed character, and his sarcastic quips and rude sense of humour are always a hit... a gem'

* Reviews Hub *

'An excellent piece of socially engaged theatre that educates and entertains in equal measure... brutal honesty delivered with raw empathy... Animal is, simply put, a great play'

* Broadway World *

'Unmissable... a whirlwind of an adventure, combining both intense emotional heartache and literal laugh out loud moments... an exceptional piece of work that hits all the right spots'

* Everything Theatre *

'Insightful, funny and quietly heartbreaking'

* WhatsOnStage *

'A wonderful experience... a barrier breaking, provocative expose on sexual equality, full of humour, grit and filth... refreshing, necessary and compelling'

* The Theatre Talk *

'A hilarious, laugh-out-loud comedy, which at the same time punches you straight in the gut... eye opening, heart-warming and deliciously funny... a wonderfully written, clever, witty stage play'

* North West End *

'Bold, brave and brilliant... a truly vital piece of theatre that everyone should see'

* Frankly My Dear *

'Hilarious and heart-breaking... It is truly refreshing to see a fleshed-out disabled main character who is allowed to be complex and flawed and human... captivating'

* I Love Manchester *


Awards
Winner of Through the Mill Playwriting Prize 2021.



Book Information
ISBN 9781839041440
Author Jon Bradfield
Format Paperback
Page Count 136
Imprint Nick Hern Books
Publisher Nick Hern Books
Weight(grams) 163g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 10mm