Derry Girls star Kathy Kiera Clarke is set to lead the cast of Heartsink, a bittersweet new medical comedy premiering at London’s Riverside Studios this spring. Written by former GP Farine Clarke (London Zoo) and directed by Sean Turner (The Play That Goes Wrong), the production runs from 21 April to 10 May.
From Clinician to Patient
The play offers a sharp, humane look at the medical profession through the eyes of Dr. Jeffrey Longford, a GP whose world is upended by a cancer diagnosis. Forced to cross the divide from confident clinician to frightened patient, Longford must navigate the ethical fault lines of modern medicine—from the dehumanizing labels of chronic conditions to the complexities of assisted dying.
Kathy Kiera Clarke, beloved by audiences as "Aunt Sarah" in the global hit Derry Girls, stars as Cara, a hypochondriac patient whose frantic exterior conceals a devastating personal truth. Clarke, an IFTA-nominated actress with an extensive background at the Almeida and National Theatre, brings her trademark blend of comedic timing and emotional depth to the role.
A Radical Re-examination of Empathy
The title, Heartsink, references a term once used by doctors to flag "difficult" patients. In Farine Clarke’s hands, the word is reclaimed as a radical exploration of power and empathy. The story is populated by a rich ensemble, including Suzie, a hospital receptionist with a hidden philosophical mind, and Dr. Roofi, a colleague torn between professional duty and personal conscience.
"Farine’s writing is sharp, compassionate, and very funny—even when tackling the most serious subjects," says Kathy Kiera Clarke. Writer Farine Clarke adds that Kathy is the "ideal actor" to capture the "strange humour that often appears in the darkest moments."
Performance Details
Venue: Riverside Studios, London
Dates: 21 April – 10 May 2026
Creative Team: Directed by Sean Turner, with set design by Matteo Mastrandrea and lighting by Chuma Lighting Design.
Full casting for the production will be announced shortly. Tickets are available now via the Riverside Studios box office.
