Cuckoo, a dark comedy by Michael Wynne, is coming to the Royal Court Theatre.
Staged in partnership with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, the Royal Court’s artistic director Vicky Featherstone directs Michelle Butterly, Emma Harrison, Sue Jenkins and Jodie McNee.
Wynne was born in Birkenhead and the production is set in the writer’s hometown with an all-Scouse cast.
Cuckoo runs at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs from Thursday, July 6 to Saturday, August 19, 2023, before transferring to Liverpool Everyman from Wednesday September 6 to Saturday 23, 2023.
Cuckoo is designed by Peter McKintosh, with lighting design by Jai Morjaria and sound design by Nick Powell.
Doreen and her two grown up daughters sit at the table – eating fish and chips, distracted by their phones. Upstairs, 17–year-old Megyn has locked herself in her grandmother’s bedroom and refuses to come out. And no one is entirely sure why…
Wynne’s dark comedy explores the safety of home and the different ways we cope in our increasingly uncertain world.
The playwright will host a post-show talk on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
He said: “Cuckoo follows three generations of a matriarchal family as they try to live their lives in what can feel like difficult and crazy times. They’re dealing with financial insecurity, economic decline, all pervasive technology and the potential impact of climate change – amongst other things.
“I was interested in exploring how different generations discuss issues and how having opposing opinions has become much more fraught – even within close families.
“The last few years have taken their toll on all of us and I came across this term historical narcissism. It forces us to question whether this really is the worst period of modern times, or if it’s just the way we’re living our lives – with news flashes pinged to us at all hours etc … or are we lacking in perspective?”
“This might sound quite heavy but fundamentally it’s a comedy about a family trying to get on with their lives and each other.”
