Synopsis

Gundog follows the lives of three siblings – Anna, Becky, and Ben – as they struggle to keep their family farm afloat in the face of personal tragedies and the unforgiving landscape. The play spans several years, during which the characters grapple with the loss of their parents, the challenges of running the farm, and their internal conflicts. A mysterious outsider, Guy, arrives and helps with the farm work, forming a connection with the siblings, particularly Becky.

The play explores themes of family, grief, identity, and the struggle for survival in a harsh, isolated environment. Simon Longman’s writing is poetic and evocative, capturing the stark beauty of the countryside and the complex relationships between the characters. The non-linear structure and the repetition of certain scenes and dialogue create a sense of cyclical time and the inescapable nature of the characters’ circumstances, ultimately leading to a powerful and haunting conclusion.