DARK COMEDY-DRAMA FROM DARKROOM COUGAR

Darkroom Theatre, founded at the eponymous Swindon coffee shop on Faringdon Road in 2017, is back with their newest performance at the newly refurbished Wyvern Theatre Studio.

The company have firmly set themselves as producing new and exciting work in the town, working with inclusive businesses to promote access to the arts. Working in unusual spaces like coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, and empty shop units; Darkroom are the first company to perform in the Wyvern Studio, a dedicated black-box space at Swindon’s biggest theatre.

Cougar, by Rose Lewenstein, is a dark comedy-drama about consumption. Two lovers travelling the world to raise awareness of climate change and the destruction of environments.

Oli Webb, Director, says “The play is very much based on the relationship of Leila and John. We follow them throughout their turbulent relationship. They travel the world in endless, identical hotel rooms, consuming endlessly, whilst Leila writes speeches about the Green Agenda for climate conferences. The irony isn’t missed. It also looks at the hypocrisy of big business paying lip service. It’s all well and good a huge multinational going to a climate conference, but how did they get there? Jets? Cars? What are they doing to combat the climate crisis? During the pandemic I worked for one of the top Young People’s charities in Munich championing young leaders in areas like climate change. We had these exact discussions. However, is it possible to change anything, without big business? There is no easy answer and that’s why I love this play.”

COUGAR is at the Wyvern Studio on Wed 15 – Fri 17 June. Book tickets today at swindontheatres.co.uk