Writer/Director: Sam MacGregor
Set in the intimate black box confines of Pleasance Bunker Two, Hold the Line offers an earnest exploration of life in an NHS111 call centre. With little more than a desk and a headset, the play leans heavily on its performances to conjure a world of constant ringing phones, anxious callers and the invisible weight of bureaucracy.
Written and performed by Sam MacGregor, the piece draws on his own experiences working for NHS111, lending it an authenticity that shines through. As Gary, a would-be actor turned call handler, MacGregor balances moments of warmth with the crushing reality of a system that seems more concerned with hitting targets than supporting its staff. Alongside him, Gabi Chanova shows versatility in embodying a wide range of characters – colleagues, managers and callers – often switching roles in rapid succession.
The play centres on two major calls during one difficult overnight shift: one ending in tragedy when a diabetic patient dies mid-call, the other escalating into crisis as Gary tries to prevent a caller from leaping from a railway bridge. These storylines carry undeniable emotional weight, yet their impact sometimes risks being undercut by the play’s pacing, which can affect the focus.
Tonally, the piece oscillates between comedy and drama, and while most of the humour lands, at times some of the more serious subject matter gets a little dialogue heavy and a little repetitive. The sound design by Johnny Phethean adds atmosphere, though the staging occasionally struggles to make the most of the confined space, leaving the audience with little visual variety across the hour.
There is plenty of heart in Hold the Line, and MacGregor’s insight into the pressures faced by call handlers is both important and timely. Yet the production doesn’t always dig as deeply as it might into its themes, leaving the piece feeling more like a snapshot than a fully developed portrait – as is often the case with hour long shows – but such are the demands of the Fringe. Overall this is a highly engaging but slightly uneven comedy-drama that highlights the strain placed on NHS call handlers.
Runs until 25 August 2025
