A BUTCHER OF DISTINCTION Plays Cock Tavern Theatre, 4/3-23

Rob Hayes, the 25-year-old award-winning playwright, makes his London debut at The Cock Tavern Theatre with the World Premiere of A BUTCHER OF DISTINCTION, offering a journey in to the bizarre and grotesque world of this young and extraordinarily talented young mind.

A murder-suicide forces two orphaned twins out of the rural wilderness they know and into a bleak, brutal London that they don't. But even as they plan their escape, they find themselves locked in a grisly battle with a grieving stranger over their dead father's sordid under-world London legacy.

Combining Joe Orton's wickedest whimsy with a Pinter-esque cynicism, and woven with pitch black humour, A BUTCHER OF DISTINCTION examines society at its most darkly entrepreneurial in
this new and provocative piece of theatre.

This debut brings together the most exciting young theatrical talent in the country. Playwright Hayes reunites with director Ned Bennett (Apprentice Director to Sean Matthias on Breakfast at Tiffany's and director of David Mamet's Edmond, both at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket) for the first time since they scooped "Best Overall Production" at the 26th Lost Theatre Annual One Act Festival.

"stunning ... an extraordinary talent"
Lost Theatre Award (on Rob Hayes)

CAST: Michael Gould... Teddy
Ciarán Owens... Hartley
Sam Swann... Hugo

The Cock Tavern Theatre Formed in January 2009, under the artistic leadership of Adam Spreadbury-Maher, The Cock Tavern Theatre runs a dangerous programme of new writing and critical revivals by the world's most challenging playwrights. It established itself at the forefront of the London Fringe within its first year by winning the prestigious 'Dan Crawford Pub Theatre Award' at the Peter Brook Empty Space Awards 2009. The Cock Tavern Theatre has premiered work by Tennessee Williams, Edward Bond, HAnnie Rayson and Jack Hibberd, and staged crucial revivals by Nick Ward, Adrian Pagan, Louis Nowra, Stephen Fry and Jon Fosse. In 2010 Adam Spreadbury-Maher was awarded 'Best Artistic Director' at the Fringe Report Awards. In April 2010 The Cock Tavern Theatre became a producing venue for resident companies Good Night Out Presents and OperaUpClose. For 6 months it was home to the record-breaking extended run of LA BOHÈME, which has twice transferred to Soho Theatre and joins the repertory programme at London's Little Opera House (at the King's Head Theatre) in March 2011, awaiting the result of its Lawrence Olivier Award nomination for "Best New Opera". In March/April this year The Cock Tavern Theatre is producing two Tennessee Williams world premieres to celebrate his
100th birthday.

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