Me, As a Penguin by Tom Wells

An Analytical Review
Reza Shirmarz

Tom Wells’s Me, As a Penguin is a play that intricately examines themes of identity, belonging, and the nuanced complexities of familial love. Through the lens of its central character, Stitch, Wells constructs a narrative that is simultaneously humorous and poignant and invites audiences to reflect on the ways individuals navigate their desires for acceptance and self-actualization. 

At the heart of the play lies Stitch, an awkward, introverted man who leaves his small seaside town to explore the possibilities of a more authentic life in Hull. His journey is emblematic of the broader quest for self-discovery, particularly within queer contexts. Stitch’s decision to relocate is driven by his realization that his hometown offers little in terms of community or opportunity: “I just want a go, at it. The whole gay thing. Just dip my toe in, test the water sort of” (Act 1, Scene 2, p. 20). This line encapsulates both his hopeful curiosity and his trepidation and therefore, includes the vulnerability that accompanies attempts at personal transformation.

Stitch’s knitting, a recurring motif throughout the play, serves as a metaphor for his efforts to weave a coherent sense of self amid uncertainty. Early in the narrative, Stitch is shown knitting obsessively, which Liz, his pregnant sister, observes with a mix of affection and concern. She says, “There’s a bit of himself in the stuff he makes. Not just the time and that but, you know, his little worries. Little decisions” (Act 1, Scene 2, p. 16). Liz’s insight highlights how Stitch channels his anxieties and aspirations into his craft. It symbolizes his desire to create something stable and meaningful in a chaotic world.

However, Stitch’s journey is fraught with setbacks, many of which stem from his interactions with Dave, a disinterested and dismissive love interest. Dave’s indifference becomes apparent when he dismisses Stitch as merely “kooky” and derides his efforts to form a meaningful connection: “You are nothing more to me than a kooky shag” (Act 3, Scene 1, p. 42). This brutal rejection not only shatters Stitch’s romantic illusions but also forces him to confront the harsh realities of navigating relationships within a queer context. Dave’s flippant remark, “We’re not penguins” (Act 3, Scene 1, p. 42), further navigates the theme of disconnection, directly challenging Stitch’s earlier, idealistic recounting of gay penguins in New York who nurtured a stone as if it were an egg. For Stitch, the penguin story symbolizes his longing for an unconditional bond, a yearning starkly juxtaposed with Dave’s cynicism.

The titular penguin, both literal and metaphorical, becomes a central symbol of displacement and care. Stitch’s impulsive decision to “adopt” a baby penguin from the aquarium mirrors his own sense of not belonging. He describes the penguin as “a bit scruffy-looking. A bit: dim. Like just being there was taking quite a lot of effort. And, I don’t know. It was like looking in a mirror” (Act 2, Scene 1, p. 24). This moment reveals Stitch’s deep empathy for the penguin, it is a reflection of his own struggles with feeling inadequate and overlooked. Yet, the penguin’s eventual death, accentuated by the absurd detail of the “snood” Stitch knits for it, symbolizes the fragility of his aspirations and the unintended harm that can arise from misplaced intentions.

Family dynamics form another cornerstone of the play, particularly the relationship between Stitch and Liz. Liz’s sharp yet caring demeanor provides a counterbalance to Stitch’s timidness. Her candid advice, “You go steady. Alright? Be careful” (Act 1, Scene 2, p. 11), reveals her protective instincts, even as she navigates her own challenges with pregnancy and her partner Mark’s reluctance to embrace change. Mark’s attachment to their old sofa, “I look at it, and I see: a friend” (Act 2, Scene 2, p. 27), serves as a comedic yet poignant metaphor for his resistance to the impending upheaval of fatherhood. Together, Liz and Mark’s interactions with Stitch highlight the interplay of support and frustration that often characterizes familial relationships. One of the play’s most striking thematic undercurrents is its exploration of loneliness and mental health. Stitch’s failed overdose, framed with dark humor as an accidental ingestion of the wrong pills, refers to his deep despair. Mark’s well-meaning but awkward response, “Can’t believe you overdosed on kelp. You’ll have such strong nails” (Act 3, Scene 3, p. 47), reflects the difficulty many face in addressing mental health issues with sensitivity. Yet, Mark’s eventual embrace of Stitch, albeit clumsy, signifies a turning point in their relationship and offers a glimmer of hope and acceptance.

Ultimately, Me, As a Penguin is a rich tapestry of humor, heartbreak, and humanity. Through Stitch’s journey, Wells captures the bittersweet nature of self-discovery. The playwright illustrates that the path to authenticity is often messy and nonlinear. The play’s conclusion, marked by the birth of Liz’s baby and Stitch’s tentative decision to return home, suggests a cyclical yet hopeful resolution. As Stitch reflects on his identity, he finds solace not in the bustling nightlife of Hull but in the quiet and enduring comfort of his knitting needles. This reaffirmation of his unique identity is a powerful reminder of the resilience required to navigate life’s uncertainties which makes Wells’s work both deeply relatable and profoundly moving.