About the show

“Performed with a cast of four, An Act of Care had all of the
energy and momentum of a huge production. The
performance remains a love letter to the existence of the NHS”

— The Mancunian

“Powerful and poignant solo numbers that beautifully showcase vocal and acting talent. The show
storms into its opening song… its breadth is vast and clever”

— Quays Life

“An Act of Care was stunning. The urgency of the writing combined with the beauty/energy of
the lyrics, music, and performance was truly something to aspire to”

— Audience member

1948: The creation of the NHS and the welfare state; a time of joy, optimism, and belief that things were going to get better.

2020: A health service at the point of breaking; demoralised and fighting for survival. What changed? And what happens next?

An Act of Care (in response to some extreme bullshit) was a punk gig theatre piece about Aneurin Bevan, and the National Health Service. From the South Wales coalfield, to American infiltrations in the boardrooms, join us on an epic journey through the past, present, and future of the NHS, as we shout from the rooftops to save what is ours.

An Act of Care (in response to right now), an archipelago arts collective production supported by Arts Council England, HOME Manchester, Theatre in the Mill, Bradford and York Theatre Royal.

DIRECTOR | LYRICIST Laurence Young
WRITER Rosie MacPherson
COMPOSER | LYRICIST | MUSICAL DIRECTOR Seán Ryan
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Beth Knight
PRODUCER Grace Dickson

An Act of Care was first performed at HOME, as part of PUSH Festival in January 2020.