The gay internet is looking back fondly on Jonathan Bailey in Cock — and no, it’s not as filthy as it sounds.
Back in 2022, Bailey starred in the play Cock on the West End, playing a queer man exploring his sexuality and navigating what it really means to be gay, bi, or straight. Based on clips of the show that are now circulating online, that exploration involved a fair amount of floorwork, and we’re certainly not complaining.
One viral moment from the show sees Bailey arching his back on the ground, then rolling over to expose his stomach. It’s easy to see why so many people wish they could have seen him in the role — and why those who did get the chance remember it so dearly.
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I saw this live! The way he moved his body in that show should have been illegal! 😂
— Chaz Harris | 🍉 FREE PALESTINE (@chazharris) December 22, 2024
I'm jealous of the floor
— 🕷𝕬𝖑𝖎𝖈𝖊 𝕮𝖗𝖔𝖘𝖘🕷️ (@Velvet_Coalmine) December 22, 2024
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One fan noted that Bailey “finds a way to show off his ass” in every one of his roles. Considering that infamous shot of him as Fiyero in Wicked dropping to his knees during “Dancing Through Life” — not to mention his costuming in general throughout the movie — we’re inclined to agree.
every role this man finds a way to show off his ass and i support him 🫡
— kaela sharma-baek 🎭🐝 (@kaekaecurtis) December 21, 2024
Bailey starred in Cock opposite Taron Egerton (who was replaced by Joel Harper-Jackson early in the play’s limited run), and a photo of the two cozying up on stage is also making the rounds. Clearly, the chemistry is there; could we get these two in another project together, please?
Other fans reminisced on Bailey’s Cock era — and yes, we’re calling it his Cock era — by honoring his off-stage antics, too. That included adorably waving down to fans from his dressing room window like Rapunzel. If we’re lucky, maybe we’ll see him on a West End (or Broadway?) stage again soon.
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