Conversations We’ve Never Had, As People We’ll Never Be, Cockpit Theatre Review
Written by Emily D for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
On Wednesday, the 26th of February, I sat down with the cast and creatives for Conversations We’ve Never Had, As People We’ll Never Be to discuss their 2025 run at The Cockpit Theatre and deep dive into the process behind bringing this play to life.
Conversations We’ve Never Had, As People We’ll Never Be is an unapologetically raw and emotional exploration of love, self-discovery, and personal relationships, told through the lens of two deeply emotional women. Created and written by Lucy Harris, it began to fill the gaps she saw in the theatrical world after graduating from drama school. With so many plays having such male-dominated narratives, Harris was actively aware of women’s voices being sidelined, their stories not reflecting the diversity and complexity of real women’s lives. This realisation led her to write her own play.
Harris presents a tender portrayal of emotional intelligence through the two women, the kind often expected in heterosexual relationships but rarely depicted with such vulnerability in same-sex ones. The chemistry on stage between the characters is magnetic, one that resonates deeply with audiences. Harris and Director India Dillon, intentionally crafted the piece to be relatable to a broad audience whilst ensuring it represents a marginalized group. The play avoids reducing the characters to stereotypes, and the love story feels real, complex, and messy in a relatable way.
"At the beginning, when people first came to see the show, some of them felt the need to say, ‘I’m not gay,’ as if it was relevant. But it’s not. It’s just a relationship."- Lucy Harris, Writer and Actor.
One of the most striking aspects of the production is its use of humour as a means for addressing heavy themes. In a piece about love, pain, and personal discovery, the light-hearted moments provide relief but also allow the challenging moments to land with impact. Humour offers a way for the audience to engage with the narrative in a safe, welcoming space.
The process of this show, from its creation two years ago to the performance, was not just a creative endeavour but a personal one. The cast and creative team were driven by a shared desire to break away from the constraints of traditional theatre and tell a story that spoke directly to their lived experiences. While the core message of the piece has remained unchanged—exploring the intricacies of relationships—the evolution has been one of refinement and growth, adapting to the needs of its audiences.
Frankie, played with confidence and clarity by Siobhán Cassidy, represents an unapologetic sense of self that resonates deeply with those comfortable in their own identity. On the other hand, Gina’s journey, played authentically by Harris, is one of learning and growth. Their contrasting yet complementary dynamics form the emotional backbone of the show.
“This play, for me, is freedom” – Siobhán Cassidy, Actor.
The portrayal of queer identity in Conversations is refreshing, especially for those tired of seeing the same narratives about queer trauma. The show doesn’t centre on the coming-out story or AIDS crisis, which has so often been the focal point of queer media. Instead, it presents a more hopeful narrative where queerness isn’t a tragedy but a part of human experience.
“It's so nice to see queerness where it doesn’t have to be about the ins and outs and all the messiness of coming out—there’s light at the end of the tunnel." – India Dillon, Director.
In conclusion, Conversations is a triumph—a deeply human story told with humour, heart, and authenticity. It’s a play that speaks to the complexities of love, the importance of finding yourself, and the power of meaningful relationships, both romantic and platonic. For anyone looking for a show that challenges conventional narratives while remaining tender and accessible, Conversations is a must-see.
★★★★★
