ANIMAL post-show Q&A at the Park Theatre. © Peter Jones

I first met Joshua Hepple years ago through my local dog park – our cockapoos used to play together. He’s a hugely accomplished person with multiple law degrees (now completing his PhD): a disability and LGBTQ activist, lecturer and equality trainer, and sometime theatre reviewer. But, as he joked with me before last night’s event at the Park Theatre, he received no major attention until he revealed publicly that, with his severe cerebral palsy, he can’t wank himself.

Josh first wrote about his situation in a 2016 Guardian article, in which he celebrated his discovery of the ‘godsend’ gay hook-up app Grindr. But he didn’t want to stop there. For years, he toyed with the idea of writing a play about disability, sexuality and dating.

And, in Jon Bradfield, whose ‘filthy’ and illuminating humour Josh enjoyed from Above the Stag’s long-running series of adult pantomimes, which Jon co-wrote with Martin Hooper, Josh found his perfect collaborator.

The result – and what has really brought major attention to Josh now – is Jon’s critically acclaimed new play ANIMAL, winner of the inaugural Through The Mill Prize (created by Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre supported by Jonathan Harvey) and a top five finalist for the Papatango Prize out of more than 1,500 entries.

Premiered last month at the Hope Mill, Bronagh Lagan’s production of ANIMAL has now transferred to London’s Park Theatre, starring Christopher John-Slater as David, a young gay man, disabled and profoundly horny. He can’t eat, drink or shower by himself – let alone the rest. Totally inexperienced, he embarks on a sexual and romantic odyssey via Grindr, armed with a fierce brain and impressive nudes (that he has to get someone else to take).

Following last night’s performance of ANIMAL, I was joined by (left-to-right) star Christopher John-Slater, playwright Jon Bradfield, cast member Matt Ayleigh, and Joshua Hepple, whose brilliant initial idea made the whole thing happen.

ANIMAL continues at the Park Theatre until 20 May 2023.

Q&A video

Q&A photos

Event photography by Peter Jones.

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