AUDITIONS

COCK & BULL
by Mike Bartlett

Two razor-sharp plays. One explosive theatrical experience.

A Mockingbird Too production

Director: Chris Baldock

Seasons: COCK – 17-20 June, 2026 / BULL – 15-18 July, 2026 at The Mockingbird Studio, Belconnen Arts Centre

Auditions: Sunday  29 March from 10AM and Monday 30 March from 6PM at The Mockingbird Studio, Belconnen Arts Centre.

Rehearsals: will commence for COCK in April with rehearsals on Monday & Wednesday evenings (7pm-10pm) and Saturdays (1.30-5.30pm). Rehearsals will commence for BULL in May on Tuesday & Thursday evenings (7pm-10pm) and Sundays (5-9pm ). 

Mockingbird Theatrics is seeking actors for two acclaimed plays by Olivier Award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett to be presented in repertory.

These productions will be rehearsed and performed separately, with Bull following approximately one month after the season of Cock. Where possible, actors may be cast across both productions, offering performers the opportunity to explore two of Bartlett’s most thrilling and provocative works.

Bold, contemporary, funny, brutal, and emotionally raw, these plays showcase the power of language and performance in stripped-back theatrical arenas.

THE PLAYS

Cock

By Mike Bartlett

Synopsis

John has been in a stable relationship with his boyfriend for years. But when he unexpectedly falls in love with a woman, his world is thrown into chaos. Suddenly forced to confront the labels that society insists on placing upon him, John must navigate desire, identity, loyalty, and love.

As his boyfriend and his new lover face off in a tense dinner confrontation — with the arrival of a blunt father figure — John is pushed to make a choice he may not be able to make.

Cock is a sharp, funny and deeply human examination of sexuality and identity, stripping relationships down to their rawest emotional truths. The play premiered at London’s Royal Court Theatre and won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. It was revived in the West End recently starring Jonathan Bailey and Taron Egerton.

Critical Response

• “A sharp, witty study of indecision and identity.” – The Guardian

• “Whip-crack smart dialogue… that makes you laugh and think.” – Theatre Press

• “Visceral, funny and anguished.” – Village Voice

Characters

JOHN – Late 20s–30s. Intelligent, thoughtful, and painfully indecisive. A man caught between emotional loyalty and unexpected attraction. The centre of the play’s storm.

M – Late 20s–30s. John’s boyfriend of several years. Quick-witted, sharp-tongued, passionate and controlling. Both deeply wounded and fiercely protective of his relationship.

W – Late 20s–30s. A woman who meets John by chance and unexpectedly falls in love with him. Confident, intelligent and emotionally open.

F – 50s–70s. M’s father. Blunt, traditional, and pragmatic. Represents an older generation demanding clarity and decisions.

(Cast: 3 men, 1 woman)

Bull

By Mike Bartlett

Synopsis

Three employees arrive at the office early. One of them is about to lose their job.

Tony, Isobel and Thomas wait for their boss to arrive and make the decision — but before that happens, a brutal psychological battle unfolds. What begins as workplace banter quickly escalates into a ruthless game of manipulation, humiliation and power.

Bull is a fast, vicious, darkly comic exploration of workplace cruelty and competition — a corporate bullfight where language is the weapon and humiliation the sport. Critics have described it as a “razor-sharp, blackly comic play about office politics and bullying.”

Critical Response

• “A riveting and uncomfortable piece of theatre.” – The Guardian

• “A savage and insightful play about office politics.” – Goodreads description

• “Quick-witted and dark… a brutal spiral of workplace bullying.” – Nexus Newspaper

Characters

THOMAS – Late 20s–40s. Anxious, eager to please, and increasingly out of his depth. Intelligent but insecure. The target of relentless psychological games.

TONY – Late 20s–40s. Alpha energy. Charming, confident, competitive and cruel. The kind of colleague who always wins.

ISOBEL – Late 20s–40s. Razor-sharp, cool, and calculating. Uses empathy as a weapon. Brilliant at psychological manipulation.

CARTER – 30s–60s. The boss. Controlled, intimidating and utterly pragmatic.

(Cast: 3 men, 1 woman)

CASTING APPROACH

These productions will be cast with flexibility across both plays. Actors may be considered for roles in either or both productions, depending on suitability and ensemble balance.

Performers interested in exploring multiple roles across the two productions are strongly encouraged to audition.

Together, Cock and Bull create an electrifying theatrical diptych exploring identity, power, language and cruelty — in the bedroom and in the boardroom.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking bold, fearless actors who thrive in language-driven contemporary theatre and are comfortable working in an intimate, minimalist staging style where the focus is squarely on performance and text.

These plays demand:

• precision with language

• emotional bravery

• strong ensemble chemistry

• actors who relish intelligent, provocative theatre

AUDITION DETAILS

Auditionees may be asked to read from both scripts.

Notice: This show involves potentially offensive language, sexual content, potential intimate touch. Physical and emotionally strong content.

Mockingbird Theatrics is committed to equality & diversity, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We strongly encourage all actors regardless of ethnicity, creed, sexual orientation etc to submit to any and all Mockingbird productions.

HOW TO APPLY

THE AUDITIONS ARE IN 3 STAGES:

1) Please fill out the audition form HERE and attach current CV and headshot.

2) If you’re considered suitable, you will be contacted further to book an audition time and sent the script/s.

3) Your audition and possible callbacks

NOTE: It is expected that you want to audition for THESE plays, not just a play/s. Passion and commitment to these plays is imperative. Your audition will not continue if you have not read them.

If you are unable to attend either audition date, please email with availability. We may be able to accept a video audition or via Zoom etc. Please contact the director at chris@mockingbirdtheatrics.com to discuss.

Please note: It is a condition of accepting a role in this play that you are generally available for all rehearsals. 

Thank you! We look forward to seeing you soon!