An Instinct For Kindness

This emotionally rousing and thought provoking one-man show was written and performed by Chris Larner, and was about the struggle to help his wife Alison end her own life with the help of Dignitas in Switzerland. This was accomplished storytelling; we were with him in every scene, falling in love with Alison or wincing at her pain and humiliation. Supported by excellent lighting and direction Larner slipped in and out of characterisations with ease; painting landscapes and details with words, beguiling us and then snapping us out of it.

Watching the audience squirm and sometimes wiping their eyes, Larner’s was a consummate performance. So, why did I feel so cross with him at the end? The subject matter is controversial; I was not convinced by the argument that the option of palliative care was moralising rather than practical, while being moved by the contention that because God doesn’t exist it is even worse to end a life. Larner has hung his guts out to dry for us to gape and pass judgement, enticing a most intense and stimulating discussion afterwards.

Pavilion Theatre, 19 May

Rating: