Timing is everything. In Tender, Eleanor Tindall gives us a Queer love story that feels both messy and achingly real. It’s a tale of two people, each carrying the weight of their past, trying to navigate what connection might mean. And it does all of this in just the right amount of time – no filler, no flab, just pure, thoughtful storytelling.
We meet Ivy, a woman who’s built her life like a fortress to keep the cracks hidden, and Ash, newly untethered from a hard relationship but unsure what freedom really looks like. Their meeting sparks a bond that’s as fragile as it is hopeful. Tindall captures the beauty and tension of modern Queer relationships – the kind where healing isn’t neat, and sometimes love is just as terrifying as it is transformative.
Love may be messy and unpredictable, but Tender reminds us it’s the risk that makes it worthwhile.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi as Ivy and Annabel Baldwin as Ash bring layers of humanity to their roles. Their chemistry isn’t the fireworks kind; it’s quieter, more delicate – a slow burn that pulls you in. Emily Aboud’s direction keeps the focus on their raw, vulnerable moments, balancing humour and heartbreak without ever tipping too far into either. The play also makes smart choices with its backstory. Cas and Max are part of Ivy and Ash’s emotional DNA, but they’re kept in the shadows, leaving the audience to piece together their significance. It’s a refreshing approach – no over-explaining, no indulgent flashbacks – just a story grounded in the here and now.
Alys Whitehead’s design deserves its own applause. The satin curtain isn’t just decoration – it moves, shifts, and shimmers like a silent reflection of Ivy and Ash’s emotions. It’s such a simple element, but it’s so effective. When it catches the light, it feels like the play itself is breathing, adding an extra layer of depth to every scene.
There’s a real bravery in what Tindall has created here. Tender isn’t about answers; it’s about the questions we ask when we let someone else into our world. How do you carry the weight of your past without letting it define you? What does it take to let yourself be vulnerable when it feels easier to stay guarded? This production isn’t afraid to leave space for the audience to reflect. There are no grand speeches or overly dramatic reveals; instead, the story unfolds naturally, allowing moments to linger. When Ivy hesitates, when Ash withdraws – these quiet beats are just as significant as their words. It’s a rare thing for a play to trust its audience this much, and it pays off beautifully.
The intimacy of the Bush Theatre’s studio space enhances the emotional weight of the play. The proximity to the actors makes every look, every pause, feel immediate and personal. It’s as if we’re in the room with them, sharing in their struggles and fleeting moments of connection.
It’s also worth noting how deftly Tindall incorporates humour into the script. It’s never forced, never detracting from the play’s emotional core. Instead, it’s the kind of laughter that comes from recognition – the absurdities of modern love, the awkwardness of opening up, the strange little rituals we build in relationships. These lighter moments make the heavier ones hit even harder, creating a rhythm that keeps the audience fully engaged.
By the time the lights go out, Tender leaves you with a sense of bittersweet hope. It doesn’t promise resolution – Ivy and Ash’s futures remain uncertain – but it reminds us that connection, however fragile, is worth seeking. That’s the beauty of Tindall’s writing: it’s not about tying things up neatly but about honouring the messiness of real life.
Final Thoughts ★★★★
Would I recommend Tender? Absolutely. This is Queer theatre at its most intimate – raw, thoughtful, and beautifully staged. With its shimmering satin backdrop and fearless storytelling, Tender reminds us that love isn’t perfect – it’s flawed, fragile, and worth every terrifying moment. A must-see for anyone who’s ever dared to hope for connection, even when it feels impossible.
Playing at the Bush Theatre until 21 December 2024.
Disclaimer: A complimentary ticket was provided in return for an honest and unbiased review.
More Reading
- A Queer Cowboy in the City: Lonesome’s Gritty Tale of Queer Longing and Discovery
- All of Us Strangers: A Hauntingly Beautiful Exploration of What Could Have Been
- Bear Traps at The Golden Goose Theatre: A Quiet Look at Family Ties and Black Holes
- Buried Truths and Second Chances: Two Come Home Delivers a Heartfelt, Moving Reckoning
