By Aline Mahrud

WORTH A LOOK?: ****

WHEN?: Wednesday 13 May, opens 19 May and runs through 11 July 2026 RUNTIME: 130 minutes (no interval)

This is the story of widow and grandmother Joan, played by Linda Bassett (What If I Only, Royal Court), who finds herself in a care home after a fall.

• Read on for reasons including how this black comedy finds real love, empathy and understanding in the pain and difficulties around impending death

It may sound bleak but there are real moments of humour here despite Joan’s unwillingness to remain in the home even though she is not well enough to be left on her own.

We meet a range of fellow residents of the home including sex-obsessed Simone, who may or may not be a former prostitute played by Hayley Carmichael, Richard Durden’s John who is grieving the love of his life and Ann Mitchell’s confused Agnes.

The staff are doing the best they can in trying circumstances including the saintly Hazel, played by Llewella Gideon, who is always willing to work a double shift if needed despite her tiredness because she’s real affection for those she’s looking after.

Joan’s family are also struggling to cope but are heartbroken that each time they visit Joan has packed her bags because she thinks she’s well enough to return home to stay with them.

Thematically this reminds a little of Alan Bennett’s recent Allelujah! (Bridge Theatre) although author Alexander Zeldin (The Other Place, National Theatre) is more compassionate.

There’s also reflection of the importance of singing and music and a neat comedy setpiece as Aoife Gaston’s trainee care assistant Fanta choreographs the residents’ performance of Stop! In The Name Of Love by The Supremes.

The real drama though is between June and her daughter Lynn, a well-meaning but not always thoughtful Rosie Cavaliero, who is mourning the loss of her own husband and trying to bringing up 16 and 12-year-old sons.

William Lawlor’s transformation as elder son Laurie is particularly affecting as the family comes together to support June as her condition deteriorates.

We’d challenge you to leave without shedding a few tears as Bassett gives a masterclass as June, finding the occasional joy in her circumstance but also bringing great dignity to her character in the most trying of situations.

Care is very much the definition of a black comedy which finds real love, empathy and understanding in the pain and difficulties around impending death.

• Main pictures via Facebook courtesy Young Vic Theatre Tickets
• Have you seen a Young Vic show before and what did you think of this 1? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
• Enjoyed this preview? Follow monstagigz on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook