Killing the Cat

Synopsis

A working-class home in Yorkshire, shifting between the 1970s and present day

Danny, a young playwright, returns to his childhood home in Yorkshire, armed with a book that exposes the dark secrets of his family’s past. The devastating impact of sexual abuse unfolds as Danny confronts his father Sam about the molestation of his sister Shelagh. The play weaves between time periods, revealing the deep emotional scars and complex familial bonds that have shaped their lives.

Spencer’s intense drama explores the tension between love and betrayal, as Danny grapples with his conflicting emotions towards his abusive father. Through raw and unflinching dialogue, the play delves into themes of trauma, accountability, and the long-lasting effects of childhood abuse. As the family’s painful history is laid bare, Killing the Cat offers a poignant and challenging examination of how the past continues to haunt the present, and the difficult path towards healing and justice.