Writer: Nathan Scott-Dunn
Director: Edoardo Berto
Nathan Scott-Dunn’s Un-Expecting offers a lyrical deep-dive into the chaos, comedy, and consequences of two strangers hurtling into modern parenthood. While the unplanned pregnancy trope is well-worn territory, Scott-Dunn’s script injects fresh energy into the premise through a rhythmic pulse of beat poetry and bruising honesty.
The production thrives on the charisma of its two leads. Cristian Ortega is compellingly developed as Scott, a young music student grappling with the shadow of his own father’s desertion. Ortega captures the push and pull of a man who believes finishing his studies in London is the only way to better himself and, eventually, make himself a better father. However, through Jess’s eyes, this ambition is viewed as self-centeredness; she blames him for making the pregnancy feel secondary to his career goals. It is this friction, the gap between his intent and her reality, that makes the drama feel remarkably real.
Cindy Awor is equally wonderful as Jess, though she is occasionally underserved by the script. In a poignant moment of self-awareness, Jess notes that Scott will retain his identity while she simply becomes mum, a fear that unfortunately manifests in the character’s development. We never quite get to know Jess with the same depth afforded to Scott, making her a harder character to fully connect with. Despite this, Awor shines in the role, navigating the painfully human reality of her situation with great warmth.
The narrative reaches its emotional peak during a pregnancy scare. For a fleeting, uncomfortable second, the audience wonders if the characters might feel a sense of relief. However, the true gut punch comes in their reaction: it is only when they face losing everything that they realise just how desperately they want this new life.
The beat poetry delivery allows for sharp humour alongside moments of genuine poetic beauty. It is a play that refuses to be a fairy tale, instead choosing to take us through the messy reality of scans, scares, and the high-stakes arguments that only happen when everything matters.
While it tells a story we have heard before, the pulse of Un-Expecting makes it a witty and worthwhile addition to the Play, Pie and a Pint season.
Runs until 11 April 2026 | Image: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
