Dog Mom, Acclaimed American Comedy By Tate Elizabeth Hanyok, To Make UK Premiere At Southwark Playhouse

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, catch the UK premiere of Tate Elizabeth Hanyok’s acclaimed comedy Dog Mom at Southwark Playhouse Borough this autumn, presented by EnActe Arts and Riding Lights.

The production arrives in London as part of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. Before heading across the Atlantic, the show picked up the win at the 2024 New Comedies Festival in California and played to sold-out audiences across several American venues. These include the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, Florida Studio Theatre, Oregon Contemporary Theatre, and Cadence Theatre in Richmond. This London engagement marks the very first time the production leaves the United States.

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Behind the Collaboration and Partnerships

EnActe Arts teams up with the UK-based independent company Riding Lights to bring the physical production to the London stage. Set designer Sean Cavanagh connected the American team with Riding Lights producer Oliver Brown. This partnership allows the creative team to utilize established local assets while retaining the distinct vision developed during the play’s American runs.

Exploring the Character Dynamics

The narrative focuses heavily on Sarita, portrayed by Vinita Sud Belani, as she transitions from suburban New Jersey life to a compact Brooklyn flat. Her solitary existence faces an unexpected test when an old stray dog refuses to leave her doorstep. Alongside her canine companion, Sarita interacts with her outspoken neighbor Nell, played by Joey Holden, and encounters the eccentric subculture of local dog parks. Other cast members taking on the human and animal roles include Tom Barnes as Ruben and Patty Gallagher as Foster.

Theatrical Choices and Creative Intent

Playwright Tate Elizabeth Hanyok deliberately built the script to highlight women navigating midlife transitions without children, offering a narrative space free from judgment. The physical staging requires actors to lean into animal instincts, drawing on theatrical clowning and physical performance traditions rather than relying on heavy mascot costumes. Director Ajay Chowdhury coordinates this movement alongside a creative team featuring lighting designer Oliver Brown and sound designer Naveen Bhatia.

Logistics and Special Events for Audiences

Performances run Monday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, with matinee slots available on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 3:00 pm. The total running time sits at one hour and fifty minutes, which includes a scheduled interval. A captioned performance is scheduled for Wednesday 28th October. Additionally, ticket holders attending the evening performance on Saturday 17th October can stay for a post-show discussion featuring playwright Tate Elizabeth Hanyok, producer Vinita Sud Belani, and director Ajay Chowdhury.

Find Dog Mom now:

Venue: Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD, 

Run: 14 October – 7 November 2026
Time: Matinee 3 pm. Evening 7.30 pm

Running time 110 minutes, including 20 minute interval 

Age guidance: 14+

Ticket Prices: Standard from £22 | Concessions from £18 | Previews £16 | Pioneers’ Preview (14 Oct) £10
Ticket link: southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dog-mom/