As if one visiting star wasn’t enough, I was fortunate to have another spend an afternoon watching me operate – all in preparation for another part in the play about the NHS.
Actor Nick Hendrix comes from what he describes as a normal, un-theatrical background. He studied drama at Exeter University and after studying at RADA he has worked in some of the most respected theatres in the country, including the Old Vic and The National.
Over the summer he has featured in Foyle’s War and 2 films due to be released next year – Suffragette and Legend. Tiger Country, however, presented Nick with a unique and interesting character in a modern, current production about a subject that fascinates him.
Having spent time in a real operating theatre he is even more enthused by this role as he believes that it shows parts of society and humanity in a light that raises questions and provokes debate.
During the time he spent at the hospital, he watched 4 different urology operations, and focused mostly on the interactions between the theatre staff, whilst listening to the same music we all did! Nick says the experience was a ‘real honour and treat to stand inside an operating theatre and see what surgeons do day in day out. How amazing’!
Tiger Country, one of the first stage plays about the NHS is due to start in December at Hampstead Theatre, and is written by acclaimed playwright Nina Raine. Tiger Country was first staged three years ago and was sold out. With such an amazing and enthusiastic cast, I am sure that once again, it is due to be sold out! Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment….
Tiger Country is at the Hampstead Theatre on 8 December 2014 – 17 January 2015
‘Do you know what it’s like to be the person who’s actually sticking the knife in here…? You stick a knife in close to an artery, boy do you know it. Then you’re in Tiger Country…’