In 2010 Chris Larner accompanied his chronically ill ex-wife to Switzerland's Dignitas Clinic. He came home with an empty wheelchair and a story to tell. This moving, bittersweet show reflects on the circumstances, morality and humanity surrounding the journey. Through a candid, poignant and sometimes comic performance, Chris explores both the profound personal implications and the wider ethical issues that surround the contentious topic of assisted suicide.
Critical commentary on the piece includes:
"Wonderfully subtle and deceptively understated performance...this is story telling of a very high order." - The Times ★★★★
"It is its total lack of sentimentality that makes it so moving." - The Guardian ★★★★
"Intensely moving, at times overwhelming...Larner release it all with a clear-eyed occasionally funny, occasionally horrifying lack of sentimentality." - The Independent ★★★★
Chris Larner is a writer, actor and director. His stage work includes Alice In Wonderland (RSC), Wind In The Willows (National Theatre); and on TV, Clingfilm in London's Burning. He has written extensively for comedy legends The Right Size and many others. With David Gilbert he wrote The Laxian Key for BBC Radio. His Edinburgh shows include acclaimed musicals The Translucent Frogs of Quuup (Guardian Best Musical Award 2004) and On The Island of Aars (nominated for five MTM Awards, 2008).
Hannah Eidinow has directed five Fringe First Award winning plays - four of them documentary theatre pieces: An Instinct For Kindness (Edinburgh 2011), Lockerbie: Unfinished Business (Edinburgh 2010,2011 & UK tour), What I Heard About Iraq (Edinburgh 2006, UK Tour & West End 2007), and Gone (Edinburgh & West End 2004). Hannah is Creative Development and Associate Director for Pleasance and an Associate Director of The Miniaturists. Recent directing credits include Mood Swing (Edinburgh and New York 2010), Memory Cells (Edinburgh 2010), The Lady From The Sea (Arcola), and A British Subject (Edinburgh, Broadway and Arts Theatre, West End.
Post-show discussions and events with guest speakers will be announced.
Book An Instinct For Kindness tickets online now.
[posted 09/03/2012]
AN INSTINCT FOR KINDNESS RUNS FOR LIMITED SEASON AT TRAFALGAR STUDIOS
Posted on
An Instinct For Kindness written and performed by Chris Larner and directed by Hannah Eidinow won critical acclaim and a Fringe First Award at its Edinburgh Fringe premiere in 2011. As part of a UK tour, it will play a three week season in London's West End at the Trafalgar Studios .