MY LIFE AS A COWBOY

MY LIFE AS A COWBOY

A queer coming-of-age comedy by Hugo Timbrell

Open Space Arts proudly continues its momentum of introducing Chicago audiences to powerful new queer stories with another American premiere—building on our Jeff Award–recognized tradition of bold, contemporary, boundary-pushing theatre. In our intimate 25-seat storefront space, innovative new work comes to life just inches from the audience, creating an immediacy and emotional impact that few venues can replicate.

With My Life as a Cowboy, OSA once again brings an exciting international voice to the city, championing playwrights whose stories radiate humor, heart, and the complexity of queer identity. This production continues our mission to uplift new playwrights, celebrate queer joy, and offer Chicago fresh, adventurous theatre that can’t be found anywhere else.

Seventeen-year-old Conor is restless in Croydon and craving something—anything—that feels bigger than his life so far. When he impulsively decides to enter a country-and-western dance competition, two unlikely allies jump in with him: Michael, his fellow lifeguard at the local leisure centre, and Zainab, razor-sharp, big-hearted, and never short on opinions.

What begins as a half-joke turns into a joyful, chaotic, and deeply human journey of reinvention. As the trio rehearse and collide, they discover trust, courage, and the unexpected power of leaning on one another. Their path to the stage is messy, hilarious, and full of heart—proving that even the smallest dreams can transform a life when shared with the right people.

Rooted in humor, queer joy, and a celebration of chosen family, My Life as a Cowboy is a vibrant new play about identity, community, and daring to dance toward the life you imagine for yourself.

“A highly amusing feel-good story… You’ll leave the theatre with a smile on your face and feeling a little bit better about the world.”
— Jack The Lad Magazine 

“Light-hearted and funny, with strong performances and real charm.”
— A Youngish Perspective 

“Touching, charming and heart-warming… Their lives get better.”
— ReviewsGate 

“A fun show with witty and laughable moments.”
— The Spy in the Stalls
 

Hugo Timbrell is a queer, dyslexic playwright based in London whose work centers on bold, unconventional protagonists and stories rarely given center stage. He has served as Writer-in-Residence at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre and was long-listed for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2019. Timbrell’s plays have been developed with the Royal Court, Soho Theatre, and BBC Writersroom.

My Life as a Cowboy premiered at the Omnibus Theatre in 2024 and is published by Methuen Drama/Bloomsbury.

January 23 – February 8, 2026
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:00 PM

Tickets: $25–$30