Pup Play is one of the shows fringe theatre was made for. Coming to Camden Fringe as part of a wider tour, this show presents itself as a “pseudo lecture” about, well, pup play, itself a subset of BDSM kink and the LGBTQ+ community.
I go in with some basic knowledge that some people the majority of them being gay men, like to role-play as puppies or young dogs with a “handler”. It’s partly sexual, but not exclusively.
Our writer/performer, Noah Alfred Pantano, is already on stage when we enter, wearing his ‘pup hood’. Content warnings about the show are projected on the wall, and at least one audience member wears a dog mask.
It’s a safe space we can leave at any time, but we are in for a challenging, honest, and edgy hour. Pup Play won’t be for everyone but should be viewed by those with an open mind.
Pantano, an American, takes on the persona of ‘Professor David Handler’ whose first interaction with us is to ask if there are any heterosexuals in the room. No? What about Swifties? They get pelted with bouncy balls. But all are welcome.
On stage the main prop is a kennel cage, into which Pantano folds himself during one story about, while in boisterous pup space, he is placed there by his handler and then forgotten, the man having “fallen asleep watching Family Guy“.
The ‘lecture’ is framed by the concept of ‘YELPS’, an acronym to introduce new pups to the concept of yes, eyes, language, pitch and sensation. It includes audience participation, puppets, music, strobe lights, and projected words and images.
Comedy moments turn to serious exploration of LGBTQ+ visibility and safety. A chatty puppet becomes a conduit for silent condemnation. Another puppet involves an audience member offering a double fist orgasm (with much hilarity).
For Professor Handler David, Pup Play is who he is and how he remains in control. He discusses casual hookups, non-monogamous relationships, and why even Pride isn’t always a place to be safe as oneself.
It’s hard to describe Pup Play without giving too much away. It is inspired by Pantano’s research into the wider pup play kink as well as including some autobiographical elements.
It’s an exploration of the social and sexual needs of this section of the LGBTQ+ community through the lens of training a new pup. It’s blunt, brash, and sometimes bitter.
Pantano is a fearless and fiery performer who still allows moments of vulnerability and sadness to infiltrate his show. It must be exhausting physically and emotionally to share Pup Play.
If you have ever wanted permission to bark and howl, look into a stranger’s eyes, or consider the meaning of homonormativity, this may be the show for you.
Each performance will raise money for a London-based LGBTQ+ charity. Its spirited and bold approach and brutal, unapologetic authenticity places it squarely in ‘spirit of the fringe’ territory.
I left moved, celebratory, supportive, and just a little disturbed (in a good way).
5 stars.
Pup Play is on until 16 Aug at Barons Court Theatre as part of Camden Fringe with tickets here.