★★★★
“It feels like an addiction”
Told by a tight-knit trio, Tending is a verbatim piece of theatre delving into the nursing staff of the NHS – a look into their inner workings both personally and professionally. Beginning with an interview, performers lead us through the ups and downs of life during a ‘normal’ hospital shift. We learn quickly about the camaraderie between the three, including their positive outlook on care for their patients, no matter what that care may look like.
Alasdair Linn embodies his character flawlessly. Stella Saltibus gives a down-to-earth, approachable performance connecting with the audience throughout. El Blackwood, (writer and actor) – brings raw, effortless emotion to the more challenging stories.
Tending is built on ‘human’ moments and director John Livesey’s choices are noticed – from the character’s anxious ticks, concerned looks between actors and disassociation, right down to always having the nurses stand, as they would on shift until they are in their ‘interview’. Soundscapes are used during the more poignant intervals of this production but the dialogue over them (especially from Blackwood) is missed and unfortunately takes you out of the moment.
Tending’s exploration of the covid pandemic is treated with respect, fury and unadulterated grief. Though challenging to relive for some audience members, it also served as a reminder of the absolute hell the world went through.
Classified as a ‘dark comedy’ it reminds you that nurses are people too and sometimes need a little boogie to Beyoncé.
The show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe and playing in Riddles Court until the 26th of August. I hope to see this show go far.
Tending is partnered with the Burdett Trust and Cavell Nurses (accepting donations on their website.)
Review by Jade Flack
