The Fringe Hit That's Barking Back Against Homophobia
Barons Court Theatre to stage Noah Alfred Pantano's Pup Play
The play takes the form of a chaotic, kink-themed “lecture”
June 22, 2026
A queer, punk-infused, multi-award-winning comedy that’s equal parts outrageous and heartfelt, Pup Play: A Queer Pseudo-Lecture (of sorts) is defying expectations — and censorship — as it continues its run across Europe and the US. It is being performed at the Barons Court Theatre from 16-18 July.
Written, directed and performed by Noah Alfred Pantano, Pup Play takes the form of a chaotic, kink-themed “lecture” delivered by the fictional Professor Handler David. What begins as a tongue-in-cheek exploration of pup play — a BDSM subculture where participants adopt canine personas — quickly evolves into a deeply introspective, multimedia performance about queer identity, shame and resilience.
The show combines punk music, puppetry, audience participation and erotic musical numbers in what Broadway World called “unabashedly kinky and in-yer-face comedy (of sorts) with a heart as big as Clifford the Big Red Dog.” Beneath the humour and provocation lies a serious message: a call to visibility, activism and compassion within the LGBTQ+ community.
Pantano, who developed the piece as part of his Theatre Studies PhD at the University of Essex, has faced significant backlash during its run — from torn posters and death threats to warnings against flyering in public. Yet the adversity has only strengthened his resolve. “Behind its BDSM imagery,” he says, “the play is an introspective, somber and hopeful look into queer identity and fighting against homophobia.”
Since its debut, Pup Play has raised over £1,000 for LGBTQ+ charities including the WR1 Foundation, LGBT+ Health and Wellbeing Scotland, and the University of Essex LGBTQ+ Students Union. It has also earned critical acclaim and multiple awards, including the Edge Award, Best of Venue and Best of Show (Runner-Up) at Tampa Fringe, and the Spirit of the Fringe and Best Comedy awards at Colchester Fringe.
Critics have praised Pantano’s storytelling and emotional depth. LouReviews named it one of the Top 25 shows of 2025, calling it “one of the shows fringe theatre was made for.” The Reviews Hub described it as “raw and unforgiving… unapologetic, non-conforming queerness in all its messiness.”
His previous play, Standing On A Nail: A Queer Horror Story, was the best-selling show at Colchester Fringe.
Barons Court Theatre is at 28a Comeragh Road, W14 9HR (nearest tubes: Barons Court and West Kensington).
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