This May Hurt a Bit

Stella Feehily’s play follows one family’s experience of what is described in the programme as the care and chaos in the health system. Prompted by first hand experience of the dedication shown by those who care for the sick and dying, in a system frequently described as being broken and underfunded, we are left to ponder the question “what is the prognosis for this much loved institution”.  The play packs a powerful punch, but there are also lighter moments, giving us a good few laughs before being brought back to reality by glimpses of the Grim Reaper.

The script calls for 12 actors to play 32 parts and the society had put together an excellent cast, all of whom poured their all into bringing their characters to life.

We begin with the voice of Boris Johnson and his promise to save the NHS, before going back in time to 1948 and the then Health Secretary, Aneurin Bevan, addressing parliament and announcing the launch of the new National Health Service.  This was a strong performance by Barry Bowen, using, what was to my ears, a very authentic Welsh accent.  Later, the same actor would play a stroke victim in a busy hospital ward. This was a superb piece of acting capturing the frustration felt by a patient in a non verbal state.

Strong performances by Clive Weatherley as Prime Minister and Director of Finance and by Helga Dove, playing multiple roles, including a Civil Servant, a paramedic and Director of Nursing, to name but a few.

Michelle Brisa-Jimenez had three roles, but I was particularly taken by her portrayal of nurse Gina, caring for her elderly patients, while at the same time trying to pacify a frustrated family who had come to visit their mother, as well as, what I assumed to be, carrying out last offices on a deceased patient behind a curtain. Overstretched but just getting on with the job. A terrific piece of acting.

I enjoyed Kate Harris’ portrayal of Iris, an elderly patient with memory lapses, as well as those of her dutiful son Nicolas played by Kevin Smith and daughter Mariel played by Wendy Eveson.  Mariel’s husband Hank, a surgeon from the US, pulled no punches when it came to expressing his opinion of the NHS. Well done to Doug Thomas in this, as well as his other roles. 

Stuart Coombe did well in his acting debut roles which included a good portrayal of Sir Winston Churchill.  Perhaps the Churchillian voice could have been a little gruffer, but on the whole, well played.  Carrie-Lee Stevens and Katie Fisher both excelled in their multiple roles. A good effort by John Cant as the Grim Reaper, following on from his acting debut as a vicar who keels over and dies at the start of a play.  Which leaves me wondering where he goes from here!

The protest scenes were well choreographed and dramatically expressive.

The set, as I have come to expect from this society had been well thought out, showing great attention to detail.  It  was well dressed at all times and scene changes were swiftly carried out.  Lighting and sound were good and expressive.

My congratulations to all involved in this production. Thank you for inviting me.

                   

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