In the medical drama Heartsink, now playing at Riverside Studios in London, Dr Jeffrey Longford (Aden Gillett) embodies the very term that doctors use to describe difficult patients who evoke a sense of dread. The play, written by Farine Clarke, follows Jeffrey as he transitions from a pedantic GP to a patient diagnosed with terminal cancer, struggling to adapt to his new role.
A Doctor's Struggle with Patienthood
Jeffrey's transformation from doctor to patient is fraught with annoyance rather than empathy. He insists on being addressed as "doctor" by the oncology receptionist, rejects pet names like "lovey" and "poppet," and complains about the electronic medical data system, the hospital layout, and gender-neutral loos. His gripes about computerization in GP surgeries make him appear Luddite, and his offhand remarks about AI in medicine lack depth given its potential to save lives in a resource-strapped NHS.
Simplistic Debates and Underdeveloped Characters
While the play touches on important topics like euthanasia and NHS structure, the arguments remain brief and simplistic. Unlike medical plays such as Tiger Country, which highlight the necessary compromises faced by NHS doctors, Heartsink lacks urgency and complexity. The human drama feels anaemic, and Jeffrey's confrontation with death fails to evoke sufficient emotion. Gallows humour falls flat, though there is prickly banter between Jeffrey and the clever young receptionist Suzie (Megan Marszal). A revelation from kooky hypochondriac Cara (Kathy Kiera Clarke of Derry Girls fame) adds some interest, and Vikash Bhai plays a younger GP with sensitivity. However, the characters lack rapport and conflict, partly due to flat writing and crude exposition.
Pacing and Glimmers of Potential
Directed by Sean Turner, the slow pacing undermines believability, as patients and doctors have an implausible amount of time to converse. Some moments shine, such as when a character describes sitting at a dying friend's bedside or another recounts how a hospitalised mother felt "othered" in paper knickers. A scene where Cara mentions her "witchy" abilities hints at supernatural territory but quickly reverts to prosaic doctor talk. Heartsink runs at Riverside Studios, London, until 10 May.
