Ian Hallard’s play ‘Horse-Play’ to open at Riverside Studios

The play explores sexual behaviours in older adults.

Ian Hallard’s new play, Horse-Play, will premiere in London this autumn. Horse-Play begins previews at Riverside Studios on 30 August, ahead of an opening night on 1 September, and performances to 24 September.

Horse-Play follows Tom and Tim, two men who look to spice up their 10-year marriage by spending an evening with a male escort. At the same time, a superhero and his sidekick are called to their lair. Horse-Play connects two seemingly unrelated events for an unforgettable evening.

“The two central characters in the play may be a gay couple, but their relationship, and the ups and downs they encounter when they are faced with adversity, are universal,” said Hallard.

“I wanted to avoid the stereotype that sees anyone over the age of thirty-five who has a less than conventional side to their sexuality depicted as sleazy, unpleasant or often downright villainous. The characters... certainly have their kinks, but they’re also loving, lovable and - on the whole - pretty well-adjusted.”

Ian Hallard’s debut play, Adventurous, was available to stream via Jermyn Street Theatre in 2021. Hallard’s performing credits include The Boys in the Band, Lovesong of the Electric Bear and Great Britain.

Andrew Beckett directs Horse-Play, and the show features set and costume design by David Shields. The full cast includes David Ames as Butterfly/Tim, Matt Lapinskas as Villainor/Karl, Jake Maskall as Stallion/Tom, Nick Sampson as Mr Overton/Murray, and Stephanie Siadatan as Danielle/Ingrida.

Horse-Play is at Riverside Studios.