Author Sam Macgregor takes the central role in this hard-hitting comedy-drama about an NHS service in crisis. It shows the insidious stress that 111 call handlers may be under because even ‘non-emergency’ calls can sometimes quickly become situations which evidently involve life and death. That pressure inevitably pervades the whole contact centre environment. Macgregor is ably assisted by Gabriela Chanova, who takes on several roles. The pair do a great job with the weight of the story, including wringing out a few laughs from what is largely a tense storyline. It’s a well written and excellently performed piece that handles the delicate balance of drama and message superbly.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Tom Brogan]