Heartsink starring Kathy Kiera Clarke (Derry Girls)

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Kathy Kiera Clarke (Derry Girls), Aden Gillett (Noises Off, National Theatre), Vikash Bhai (Twice BAFTA nominated, Limbo), and Megan Marszal (Halloween) in this bitingly witty medical comedy about a doctor who becomes a patient.

“After years in practice seeing through a doctors’ eyes, I find myself on a crash-course as the patient. The view isn’t quite so attractive from this side, you’d be surprised to know.” 

Dr Jeffrey Longford (Aden Gillett) finds life on the other side of the stethoscope unexpectedly harrowing when he transforms from confident high-status physician to vulnerable, obscure patient. Gallows humour is his only defence, as he negotiates the world he thought he knew so well from a different perspective, questioning all his medical certainties on the way.

Kathy Kiera Clarke stars as the funny, loveable, brave Cara, an outward hypochondriac hiding a precious inner secret. With light-hearted playfulness and a magical cake, she shrewdly dissects Dr Longfords’ deepest fears, pre-empting both his diagnosis and his decisions. 

Heartsink is full of surprises as it romps along, revealing that no one is as they first seem; loyal colleague, Dr Roofi (Vikash Bhai) overcomes his fear of his mother, to rail against the spectre of Dignitas, while grungy receptionist Suzie (Megan Marszal), employs her caustic tongue and careless manner to mask her perceptive, brilliant mind. 

Offering unique insights while treating ostensibly unfunny ethical issues with light humour, Heartsink ends with an unexpected, generous gift which allows the doctor, his patient and colleagues to resolve their inner demons and face a new day, reborn. 

From an award-winning team in writer and former GP Farine Clarke (London Zoo) and Director, Sean Turner (Why I Stuck a flare Up My Arse for England, The Play That Goes Wrong) Heartsink’s unparalleled understanding demonstrates what happens when the juxtaposed world of the patient and doctor collide in one person, delighting audiences and healthcare professionals alike.  

Here’s the initial audience response….….

“Brilliant! Everyone in the health service would benefit from seeing this too” Dr MD Senior GP partner, Surrey.

“Such a beautiful story. That perfect balance between comedy and real emotion.” Harry, London.

“Thought provoking. Contemporary. Just amazing…and funny!” Dr JC, Consultant Radiologist, Devon.  

“Surprised at the emotion I felt.  It blew me away!” Helen, Chiswick. 

“I’d 100% recommend it to everyone!  It doesn’t pull any punches.” Alexander, London

Cast

Kathy Kiera Clarke

In addition to Aunt Sarah in Chanel 4’s Derry Girls, Kathy’s wide-ranging theatre, film and TV appearances include; Portia Coughlan (Almeida), The Dry House (Marylebone), Macbeth (Prime Theatre, Belfast).  Bloody Sunday (IFTA Award nomination for Best Actress in a Feature Film). A Bend in the River (IFTA Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role) Silent Witness and Omagh.  

Aden Gillett

Together with the Doctor’s Dilemma (National Theatre) Aden Gillett’s extensive theatre, film and TV appearances include; Blithe Spirit (Savoy) Mary Poppins (Prince Edward) An Inspector Calls (Broadway)  Design for Living (Peter Hall Company, Bath) The Crow Girl, The House of Eliott, The Winslow Boy.  

Vikash Bhai 

Best known as Farhad in Ben Sharrok’s twice BAFTA nominated Limbo, Vikash Bhais has recently appeared in Girl Taken (Paramount) and Run Away (Netflix).  

Megan Marszal

Awarded Best Solo Show for Her Shoes, Megan Marszal’s credits include; I Love you Michael from Nadine (Riverside Studios)  and Doctor Plague (Amazon Prime).