Writer: Tate Elizabeth Hanyok
Director: Ajay Chowdhury
Haven’t we all suffered enough? If grown-up actors playing children weren’t bad enough, in the Southwark Playhouse’s new show we now have grown-up actors playing dogs. This might be fine if Dog Mom were aimed at kids who might be delighted to see two adults sniffing each other’s butts, but apparently, with its swear words, this show is for an older audience. Dog Mom wants to prove that women don’t have to be defined by the ability to bear children.
But Tate Elizabeth Hanyok’s play rather contradicts itself when Sarita finds herself feeling maternal after fostering a stray dog that turns up on the stoop of her New York brownstone. At first, she doesn’t want to care for it and even takes the dog to an animal rescue centre. Here, she’s persuaded to foster the Golden Retriever until the centre can place it with a permanent owner. However, it doesn’t look likely that Foster, as Sarita names the dog, will ever find a ‘forever home’ as Foster is old.
Hanyok’s play is very predictable. We know that Sarita will end up loving Foster, and we know that the dog’s nagging limp will bring tragedy in the second half. There are few surprises, and the overall thesis that a middle-aged, divorced woman without children needs something to love borders on the patronising.
Vinita Belani is Sarita, newly returned to the city. She does well in spite of such weak material. Joey Holden plays the Italian-American neighbour, Nell, like a sitcom actor from a 1970s US sitcom. Still, she has a few funny lines. Patty Gallagher is Foster, shouting loudly to represent loud barking. Gallagher might also want to consider a new pair of earrings as they fall off a few times, and no one wants a choke hazard when dogs are around.
With his very English accent, Tom Barnes brings some pathos to Nell’s dog Ruben. Rueben and Foster converse – yes, these dogs talk too – about sticks and fire hydrants as they go on a “sniffari” around the dog park. But their running around is quickly irritating for an adult audience.
Jarreau Antoine, as various characters, from vet to cat to jogger, is the best thing about the show. He clearly has a talent for comedy, but even his skills can’t salvage this show. A dog’s life being a reviewer? In this case, yes.
Runs until 4 November 2026
