In Farine Clarke’s medical drama “Heartsink,” currently showing at Riverside Studios in London, Aden Gillett delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Jeffrey Longford. The play delves into the complex emotional and psychological journey of a doctor who finds himself on the other side of the examination table after a terminal cancer diagnosis.
The term “heartsink” in medical jargon refers to patients who evoke feelings of dread or dismay in healthcare professionals due to their demanding or challenging nature. Dr. Longford, initially portrayed as a rather superior and pedantic physician, embodies this in his interactions. He is quick to criticize the hospital’s electronic data systems, the building’s layout, and even the gender-neutral restrooms, displaying a general air of complaint.
However, Longford’s own transformation from doctor to patient forces him to confront the realities he once dealt with from a position of authority. Drawing parallels with real-life accounts from doctors like Paul Kalanithi and Henry Marsh, the play highlights the immense difficulty individuals face when transitioning from caregiver to recipient of care. In Longford’s case, this transition is marked by an almost infuriating insistence on his former professional identity, as he demands to be addressed as “Doctor” by the oncology receptionist, rejecting her affectionate terms like “lovey” and “poppet.” His superior attitude and constant grumbling in the waiting room underscore his struggle to adapt to his new role.
The review continues to explore the nuances of Longford’s character and his journey as he navigates his illness from a patient’s perspective.