Expert Review: Why Born with Teeth Is Sharply Compelling

4.3
★★★★☆

Expert Rating

The Verdict

Born with Teeth offers a razor-sharp exploration of artistic collaboration, creative rivalry, and the complex dynamics that drive creative partnerships. This intelligent, witty production delves deep into the psychology of artistic creation while delivering compelling character-driven drama that resonates with anyone who's ever worked in a creative field.

What Makes It Compelling

  • Psychological Insight: Penetrating examination of how creative partnerships can both inspire and destroy the artists involved.
  • Sharp Writing: Intelligent dialogue that captures the nuances of artistic collaboration and the tensions between ego and creativity.
  • Intimate Setting: Wyndham's Theatre provides the perfect West End environment for this intense psychological drama.
  • Contemporary Relevance: Explores themes of artistic authenticity and commercial success that feel particularly relevant today.

Perfect For

Artists and creative professionals, theatre enthusiasts who appreciate character-driven drama, anyone interested in the psychology of creativity, and audiences who enjoy intelligent, thought-provoking theatre. The mature themes make it suitable for ages 14+.

Everything You Need to Know

The Psychology of Creative Partnership

Born with Teeth examines the intricate relationship between two creative collaborators whose professional partnership becomes increasingly complex and fraught. As their project develops, questions of artistic ownership, creative control, and personal ambition threaten to derail both their work and their relationship. The play explores what happens when creative vision clashes with personal ego.

What to Expect

  • Intense character-driven drama focused on psychological realism
  • Sharp dialogue that captures the language of creative collaboration
  • Exploration of power dynamics in artistic partnerships
  • Questions about authenticity, ownership, and creative integrity
  • A story that will resonate with anyone who's worked creatively with others

Central Themes & Ideas

  • Creative Rivalry: How competition can both fuel and destroy artistic partnerships
  • Artistic Ownership: Questions of who owns ideas and creative work
  • Ego vs. Art: The tension between personal ambition and collaborative creation
  • Authenticity: What it means to be genuine in both art and relationships
  • Power Dynamics: How creative partnerships reflect broader social and professional hierarchies
  • Success and Compromise: The cost of commercial success on artistic integrity

Contemporary Relevance: The play's exploration of creative collaboration and artistic authenticity speaks directly to current debates about originality, attribution, and creative ownership in the digital age.

Practical Information

Show Times

  • Tuesday - Thursday: 7:30pm
  • Friday: 8:00pm
  • Saturday: 2:00pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday: 2:00pm
  • Duration: 1h 45min with no interval

Getting There

  • Tube: Leicester Square (2 minutes walk) or Piccadilly Circus (5 minutes)
  • Bus: Multiple routes to Charing Cross Road
  • Parking: NCP car parks nearby - public transport recommended

Theatre Information

  • Historic West End venue opened in 1899
  • Capacity: 759 seats across three levels
  • Fully accessible with lift access
  • Bar facilities on all levels
  • Air conditioning throughout