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mercy
Mercy (Rehearsed Reading)
Performed by Joanna Scanlan, written by Peter Bradshaw, directed by Christopher Luscombe
Review by Stephanie Josephs
Joanna Scanlan is a tour de force captivating the audience's attention for this rehearsed reading. Bringing to life the words of Peter Bradshaw, Scanlan delivers a monologue unravelling Alison’s story as an NHS nurse and the colleagues, relationships and patients that have led her to be facing redundancy on Christmas Eve.
Bradshaw’s piece starts fairly innocently, explaining the frustrations and joys of working for the sick and vulnerable, and the traits of some of her colleagues before we delve deeper into her anecdotes and inappropriate patient interactions. The character of Alison represents a trusted voice and the audience listen intently as the nurse opens up about her experiences and controversial views on cheating, smoking, sexual deviance, gambling and more. With graphic detail, the contrast between a stereotypically sweet and caring nurse and her un-PC revelations leaves the audience intrigued by this complex character and many times at the borderline of discomfort and pure comedy.
Through considered mannerisms, incredible accents and characterisation, Scanlan voices and creates moments of dialogue, as all the men in her life including, ex partners, her father and patients with whom she spends their final moments.
In an exploration of what it means to be a care professional, the show questions the dignity of health, ageing and what happens when we ‘pass’. A brilliant analogy of pound shops explains that regardless of our product or difference, we all have the same value when we ‘checkout’ of this life.
Poignant and timely, the show reveals a dark twist at the end that will challenge audiences to consider what it truly means to show mercy.
Review by Dee Bonner
Mercy is play about a nurse leaving after some 30 years, you might be thinking that you'd anticipate something more energetic on a Friday night but as a daughter of a nurse I know what to expect...
The set was minimal with no hospital lights or sound effects, just simply a trusted, plain clothes nurse Alison reading her diaries. We’re privileged to hear her heartfelt feelings about her role and the professionals, and how she carries out her nursing duties.
Alison also shows us why she is driven to this caring profession, her dedication, and it is all compelling. It is a simple, raw and shockingingly personal account, not the carefully chosen sensitive words of the pandemic about the many deaths and their pitiful wages. She asks for no pity nor shows emotion but shares her experiences. Uncomfortable but guiltily entertaining- I squirmed and I wished I was not witnessing this. That is the beauty of theatre, to feel as we watch and to also feel and think again.
Following the gift afterwards of a q&a with the genius writer, we applauded the NHS and we shall again when is a full scale performance. A topical play and an excellent reading.
Performed by Joanna Scanlan, written by Peter Bradshaw, directed by Christopher Luscombe
Review by Stephanie Josephs
Joanna Scanlan is a tour de force captivating the audience's attention for this rehearsed reading. Bringing to life the words of Peter Bradshaw, Scanlan delivers a monologue unravelling Alison’s story as an NHS nurse and the colleagues, relationships and patients that have led her to be facing redundancy on Christmas Eve.
Bradshaw’s piece starts fairly innocently, explaining the frustrations and joys of working for the sick and vulnerable, and the traits of some of her colleagues before we delve deeper into her anecdotes and inappropriate patient interactions. The character of Alison represents a trusted voice and the audience listen intently as the nurse opens up about her experiences and controversial views on cheating, smoking, sexual deviance, gambling and more. With graphic detail, the contrast between a stereotypically sweet and caring nurse and her un-PC revelations leaves the audience intrigued by this complex character and many times at the borderline of discomfort and pure comedy.
Through considered mannerisms, incredible accents and characterisation, Scanlan voices and creates moments of dialogue, as all the men in her life including, ex partners, her father and patients with whom she spends their final moments.
In an exploration of what it means to be a care professional, the show questions the dignity of health, ageing and what happens when we ‘pass’. A brilliant analogy of pound shops explains that regardless of our product or difference, we all have the same value when we ‘checkout’ of this life.
Poignant and timely, the show reveals a dark twist at the end that will challenge audiences to consider what it truly means to show mercy.
Review by Dee Bonner
Mercy is play about a nurse leaving after some 30 years, you might be thinking that you'd anticipate something more energetic on a Friday night but as a daughter of a nurse I know what to expect...
The set was minimal with no hospital lights or sound effects, just simply a trusted, plain clothes nurse Alison reading her diaries. We’re privileged to hear her heartfelt feelings about her role and the professionals, and how she carries out her nursing duties.
Alison also shows us why she is driven to this caring profession, her dedication, and it is all compelling. It is a simple, raw and shockingingly personal account, not the carefully chosen sensitive words of the pandemic about the many deaths and their pitiful wages. She asks for no pity nor shows emotion but shares her experiences. Uncomfortable but guiltily entertaining- I squirmed and I wished I was not witnessing this. That is the beauty of theatre, to feel as we watch and to also feel and think again.
Following the gift afterwards of a q&a with the genius writer, we applauded the NHS and we shall again when is a full scale performance. A topical play and an excellent reading.
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