The adult cast will be doing their best to shine in “Consent” at the Cotswold Playhouse this week but it is baby Leo who is likely to steal the show as far as the cast is concerned, writes Nick Brunger.
Leo follows in the footsteps of many famous thespians who first trod the boards as a small child.
Felicity Kendall was cast as a baby in her parents’ production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at just nine months old, while namesake Leonardo DiCaprio appeared as a toddler in nappies in his TV debut.
By comparison Jodie Foster (at 2) and Charlie Chaplin (aged 5) were relative latecomers to show business.
The actors have very much taken Leo to their hearts, even to the extent of taking him home after rehearsals are over.
However, the producers have no need to worry about the guidelines on restricted hours or safeguarding concerns this week. For baby Leo is actually a very, very lifelike “Reborn Doll” called Lily on loan to the theatre by Nina Fleming, a friend of a cast member.
Little Leo aside “Consent” is definitely not a show for youngsters, with very adult themes including graphic descriptions of sexual activity and casual discussion of rape and assault.
In Nina Raine’s play the legal system is put under a microscope as barrister friends take opposing sides in a high-stakes rape case. The play pushes us to question the very nature of truth, fairness, and accountability.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, the characters face personal reckonings—where justice isn’t just about the law, but about the lies, betrayals, and moral grey areas within their own lives.
The powerful modern drama is on from Tuesday to Saturday with performances each evening at 7.30pm.
The photos show Leo in close up and with cast members Isak Sandgren-Clarke and Sarah Wiggins who appear as Leo’s parents in the play, as well as with Tristan Holland, also reading a copy of the play to Leo.
