MY LIFE AS A COWBOY at Open Space Arts [Uptown]

My Life as a Cowboy

A queer coming-of-age comedy by Hugo Timbrell
Presented by Open Space Arts

Open Space Arts continues its commitment to bringing fresh, adventurous queer stories to Chicago with the American premiere of My Life as a Cowboy, a vibrant new comedy by London playwright Hugo Timbrell. Performed in OSA’s intimate 25-seat storefront theatre, this production delivers the immediacy, humor, and emotional resonance that have become hallmarks of OSA’s Jeff Award–recognized work.

About the Play

Seventeen-year-old Conor is stuck in Croydon and desperate for something bigger than his everyday routine. On a whim, he enters a country-and-western dance competition—an idea that quickly snowballs when two unlikely companions jump in to help:

• Michael, his fellow lifeguard

• Zainab, sharp-witted, big-hearted, and never short on opinions

What begins as a joke becomes a joyful, chaotic adventure of reinvention. As the trio rehearse—and collide—they discover trust, courage, and the unexpected strength found in chosen family. Their messy, hilarious journey proves that even small dreams can be life-changing when shared with the right people.

My Life as a Cowboy celebrates queer joy, humor, and community in a story about daring to imagine a bigger, braver life for yourself.

Critical Praise

• “A highly amusing feel-good story… You’ll leave the theatre with a smile on your face.” — 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

About the Playwright – Hugo Timbrell

Hugo Timbrell is a queer, dyslexic London-based playwright whose work centers on bold, unconventional characters and stories often left offstage. He has served as Writer-in-Residence at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, was long-listed for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, and has developed work with the Royal Court, Soho Theatre, and BBC Writersroom.

Register here on the CPT website to let us know you’re attending. Your reservation will be confirmed only after you purchase your ticket directly from Open Space Arts using the link provided.