HEARTSINK
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
By Nicole Kent
HEARTSINK explores what happens when a GP is forced to confront life from the other side of the consultation desk—and it’s that role reversal that gives the play its emotional core.
At the heart of this play, Dr Jeffrey Longford (Aden Gillett), a proud and seasoned doctor, grapples with a terminal diagnosis. This forces him to re-evaluate his professional practice, particularly the depersonalisation inherent in healthcare through labels such as “cancer patient” which he realizes should be replaced with the more humane “a patient with cancer.”
Gillett’s performance is measured and dignified, a quiet restraint that underscores the gravity of his condition. This subtlety is set in sharp relief against the more animated supporting characters: the hypochondriac Cathy (Kathy Kiera Clarke), the pragmatic Dr Roofi (Vikash Bhai), and the sharp-tongued receptionist Suzie (Megan Marszal). Their performances are brilliantly executed, each one injecting well-timed humour that offers welcome relief within the play’s otherwise clinical atmosphere.
The set design of muted pastel greens is kept deliberately minimal, and creates a subtly vintage aesthetic. It effectively suggests a hospital environment without relying on excessive detail, allowing the audience to fill in the gaps. This restraint reinforces the play’s central themes of detachment and routine within the healthcare system, echoing the emotional distance often found in clinical spaces.
The costume design is equally understated and realistic, with medical attire and everyday clothing anchoring the characters in a recognisable, grounded world. This simplicity enhances the sense of authenticity rather than drawing attention to stylisation. Overall, the design choices competently support the narrative and its themes, providing a coherent backdrop for the action. However, they rarely extend beyond functionality, offering limited additional interpretative depth or moments of visual surprise.
Tonally, the play is more poignant than funny. Humour is often used to soften heavier themes like grief, assisted dying, and end-of-life care. When it leans into these themes—particularly in quieter, dialogue-led moments—it’s at its most powerful.
HEARTSINK is a thoughtful, intimate play that prioritises performance and emotional honesty over spectacle. When it slows down and focuses on human connection, it becomes genuinely moving. A solid off-West End piece—especially for audiences drawn to reflective, issue-led drama rather than high-energy theatre.
💛 Date: 21st April – Saturday 10th May 2026
💛 Location: Studio 3, Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9BN
💛 Time: 7:30 pm
💛 Tickets: https://riversidestudios.co.uk/
Director: Sean Turner
Writer: Farine Clarke
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