“It would be a great reform in politics if wisdom could be made to spread as easily and rapidly as folly”
Cast includes Stephanie Cole
A month after stating “we will stop the top-down reorganisation of the NHS that has got in the way of patient care”, the government launched the biggest top-down reorganisation the service had seen in its 65-year history.
With characteristic wit, tenderness, and dives into surrealism, Stella Feehily’s new play explores one family’s journey through the digestive system of the NHS, and asks: what is the prognosis for this much-loved institution?
Max Stafford-Clark directs.
Stella Feehily’s plays include Bang Bang Bang, Dreams of Violence, O go my Man and Duck.
4 STARS
“A touching drama about one family’s encounters with their local hospital intertwines with a surreal, hilarious and hard-hitting examination of the history, politics, economics and day-to-day running of the NHS… Max Stafford-Clark’s direction is masterly. A naturalistic moment moves to tears, a hard fact strikes to anger, an absurdity raises laughter… Each member of his eight-strong cast is a joy to watch, in every single one of their 25 characters. This co-production between Bolton Octagon and Out of Joint is every bit as theatrically entertaining as it is politically committed.”
The Observer4 STARS
“Stella Feehily’s passionate, urgently topical play… Our theatre has long been crying out for a new play on the subject”
The Guardian5 STARS
“Told with truth, humour and understanding… Very funny and entertaining. I was enthralled by the production’s complexity, bravado and freshness and also the fine performances of each member of the eight-strong cast. Ensemble theatre at its best.”
Oxford Times5 STARS
As agit-prop theatre goes, Max Stafford-Clark’s production must surely rank as one of the most stylish ever staged”
Whatsonstage.com“A sterling cast”
Manchester Evening News“Both funny and full of bemused rage”
Scottish Herald“Powerful, inspiring and entertaining… Human poignancy and laugh-out-loud comedy”
Bury Free Press“Wonderful writing… The eight-strong cast is superb and a delight to watch… Stephanie Cole is perfectly cast as witty, feisty and independent Iris”
Bolton News
This May Hurt A Bit is supported by Elizabeth & Frank Brenan.