‘Hold The Line’ puts us right in the middle of a NHS 111 call centre at a time where medical, both mental and physical services, are facing extreme pressure and untangles the story on both sides of the phone line. We analyse the mental health of the employer for 111, who seems to be in a never-ending and results-driven loop of calls and we also look through the eyes of the patient who seeks medical help with fear and demand.

What happens when staff are overworked? What happens when mistakes are made? ‘Hold the Line’ asks these questions through a mixture of naturalistic and surreal scenes set in the call centre which are based upon real stories experienced by the writer who works as a Health Adviser for NHS111 in East London and allows audiences to understand and develop a new perspective on a social issue, which defines the state of a nation and our humanity.

As well as making this show a reality, your help will contribute to:

- discounted tickets for NHS staff through Tickets for Good 

- Mental Health First Aid Training for theatre-makers post-run

- NHS staff wellbeing drama workshops in partnership with NHS Charities Together 

Hold the Line (Previously named Barking Mad) was shortlisted for the 2025 Charlie Harthill Award. 

The play will run at the Edinburgh Fringe at Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker 2 between July 29th and August 25th at 4:25pm.

Director: Laura Killeen

Cast: Sam Harry Macgregor, Gabriela Chanova