An immersive and quietly powerful piece of theatre, Hold the Line places us inside a London NHS111 call centre, exposing both the humanity and the strain within a system under pressure.
Performed in an intimate black box setting, the production is simple with a single white desk and stool forming the entire set—yet nothing more is needed. This minimalism allows the performances and the unfolding calls to take centre stage, creating a focused and immediate theatrical experience.
The production makes effective use of the audience, drawing them into the action in a simple way and lending the script a natural, conversational quality. At times, the audience becomes part of the NHS world itself—representing overstretched doctors and medical professionals—an idea that lands particularly well in moments where help is needed but unavailable.
Writer, performer and former NHS 111 worker Sam Macgregor captures the calm and empathy required of a 111 operator as Gary, becoming someone you instinctively root for and hope is the one who answers the call if you ever need to ring. Macgregor's grounded and convincing portrayal anchors the production.
Gabriela Chanova complements Macgregor well in this two-hander, with both actors switching seamlessly between multiple roles. Laura Killee's direction and design make intelligent use of the small performance space, ensuring the staging remains dynamic and engaging throughout.
Running at one hour with no interval, the piece is tightly constructed. The script, shaped by Macgregor's firsthand experience, feels authentic and assured. There is a strong underlying respect for NHS staff and the realities they face, and the production highlights the emotional and operational pressures of the system without becoming heavy-handed.
That said, some heightened comedic characterisations feel out of step with the otherwise grounded tone; a more restrained approach would strengthen overall cohesion and balance. The ‘dance break' also runs a little long.
Ultimately, Hold the Line is a thoughtful and affecting production that reminds us that behind every call is a human being—both on the line and on the receiving end.
Review: Lola Philips