Tending

This was a very powerful and emotional experience. It was so effective, using real testimony from interviewing nurses. And the three actors all conveyed very effectively different aspects of the lived experience of the interviewees.
I particularly found the description of the attempted suicide of the 15 year old moving. The way it was repeated, with a little more description given each time, worked so well, really drawing us in.
And the description of being in tears in a car.
And the invitation to the funeral and being mentioned by name.
Would have been brilliant if completely "imagined" but knowing this REALLY HAPPENED added another dimension.
Well done all - and thank you. As was said: "Patients aren't dying because nurses are striking; nurses are striking because patients are dying".

An impeccably structured play! I was amazed at the way the interviews were woven together- the writing not only highlights similar subjects or themes from each interview, but also creates overarching narrative arcs that build up to wonderful climaxes.

The performances were a clear highlight as well. The actors embodied their characters with great care and elegance and ultimately allowed the audience to relate and empathize with the real people behind the story.

Absolutely brilliant. The best insight into the working lives of nurses and junior doctors that I think I've ever seen. Go see this show before the Fringe ends.

This show is absolutely amazing.
The powers that be need to come and watch it to learn what life is really like on the frontline of the NHS.
Brilliantly performed, such a powerful piece of theatre.

To come across a piece of theatre which moves me to tears with only the power of words is a rare pleasure. To find one as relevant and thought-provoking as this one is simply a joy. This beautiful, moving play is both a poignant reminder of the vital role nurses play in all of our lives and a fascinating yet shocking insight into the day-to-day challenges and rewards of one of the world's most demanding professions. I would strongly recommend it to anyone and everyone!

I’m struggling to find the words to convey how amazing this was. Tending was absolutely breathtaking, heartbreaking and joyful, all at once. Powerful and heartfelt performances from seriously talented performers and playwrights. I feel privileged to have seen this show and urge others to - you will laugh, cry and leave having been gifted a unique insight into the lived experience of NHS nurses.

An absolutely stunning show. Incredibly moving, poignant and current. Such a feat doing a verbatim play, so a huge congratulations to playwright El Blackwood, the talented director and of course to the nurses they interviewed for this show - it really is so so special.

The acting was utterly SUBLIME from El Blackwood, Alasdair Linn and Stella Saltibus. Just exceptional. Beautiful ensemble work and heartbreaking individual performances from the charismatic actors. Leaning forward in my seat because I didn’t want to miss a word they said!

A MUST SEE!!!

Insightful, funny and incredibly moving. So impressive to synthesise over 50 interviews with nurses into such a streamlined, dynamic show. A really powerful piece of theatre - go and see it!

A compelling and engaging show that showed the highs and lows of the nursing profession. Very well put together as a verbatim show and well performed by three clearly talented actors. In a contrast to similar material about healthcare workers, the script and cast did a very good job of portraying nurses not as heroes and martyrs, but as skilled professionals whose work is often undervalued

If you are browsing this to see if you should go and see, Display – YOU ABSOLUTELY SHOULD.
Honestly, if you only see one thing at the Edinburgh fringe, it should be this. It is beautifully written/compiled, and the acting is absolutely sublime. Won’t even think of these three performances actors – they are the genuine article as nurses. I’ve seen a lot of theatre, and this is BRILLIANT. Congratulations to all involved and thank you for an absolutely terrific experience

A very powerful and moving performance by the three actors. I kept thinking of friends and family who had been in nursing and what a fantastic job they do when we are at our most vulnerable. Well worth seeing this performance.

A powerful and moving piece performed by three talented and engaging actors. Telling the real and emotional stories of the heroes who saved us during the horrors of COVID and continue to save us from even the "regular" (but demanding) needs on our health care system. A memorable and emotional tribute to the staff and volunteers who keep us safe and well or even help us pass with dignity and love. A must see for anyone who knows someone in the healthcare system. Brilliant.

A truly life affirming show. Celebrating the humanity and dedication of those working in the NHS. A brilliantly curated and beautifully performed piece by exciting emerging theatre makers. Not a dry eye in the house.

The poo bits were hilarious - and the whole show incredibly touching.

An uncompromising show about the joys and traumas of being a nurse in the NHS. Beautifully written and beautifully performed. You will laugh and cry. A must see!

I wish the Health Secretary could see this show. It is really powerful in helping those who have never worked in the NHS understand the joys, sadness, exhaustion and frustrations experienced by those who are on the front line even before we had a pandemic to exacerbate it all. It’s not comfortable to watch but necessary and put across very well by these talented young actors with an engaging script. Do go and see it!