Tending appears at The Ustinov Studio and is an astonishing piece of theatre.
Ben Lynn, Mara Allen and El Blackwood in Tending | Photo © Charlie Flint
Based on over 70 interviews conducted over two years with NHS nurses of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, Tending tells their raw, real and often unheard stories.
These true-life testimonies are woven into the experiences of three characters: a palliative care nurse, a paediatric ICU nurse and an A&E nurse who give moving and powerful accounts of why they chose the profession, what a typical working day looks like and the highs and lows of job – from bad smells to providing support to those grieving the loss of loved ones.
Written by El Blackwood, it is both heartbreaking and endearing. It is a plea for reform and opens up the lack of support offered to those who do the caring. From the regular days on the ward and through to the horrors and trauma of COVID.
The cast of three: Ben Lynn, El Blackwood and Anjelica Serra work well with the difficult material. A matter of fact and understated way of life that hits the audience hard.
The simple set allows full attention to the performers who, under the direction of John Livesey, ensure the pace never falters.
The level of humanity and care with which the story is delivered is powerful, and whilst it is clearly a love letter to the NHS, is it hard not to feel anger for their treatment and lack of support in such a maligned profession.
It runs at an hour long and the power is palpable as the audience sit silently before gaining the breath to applaud this outstanding piece of theatre.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
