BREEDING

King’s Head Theatre, London

Set + Costume Design

Breeding is a heartwarming play, written by Barry McStay, showing at the new space of the Kings Head Theatre in 2024. The play tells the story of Zeb and Eoin, a young gay couple who want to adopt, who meet their social worker Beth at a crucial moment in their lives.

The three stages of the Southwark Council adoption process serve as the backbone of the story. When reading through all the official adoption documents, I was overwhelmed, and I wanted to share this feeling with the audience by adorning the wall with adoption documents.

The stage design draws inspiration from the journey to parenthood. Vibrant Using vibrant primary colours, reminiscent of a nursery, juxtaposing the weighty themes explored in the play with childlike innocence. Enlarged toy blocks create a dynamic set, transitioning seamlessly between scenes. A blue stripe winds across the stage, forming an elevated road platform symbolising the hope and uncertainty along the journey of parenthood. The elevated road also transforms into an imaginary flow of water, metaphorically representing the Hampstead Heath scene. 

Amidst this colourful landscape, a bittersweet sense of hope and joy permeates the air, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the emotional depths of Breeding.

Writer: Barry McStay | Director: Tom Ratcliffe | Set Design + Costume Design: Ruby Law @ RULA | Lighting Design: Rachel Sempley | Sound Design: Jac Copper | Production Manager: Sophy Leys Johnston | Stage Manager: Honor Klein | Producer: Gabriella Sills

Photography Credit: Ed Rees + RULA Design Studio