Eleanor Tindall's 'Tender' returns to the Bush Theatre with a ferocity that grips you from the opening moments. This unsettling two-hander is a dark romance between Ivy and Ash, two women trapped in troubled relationships – Ivy stuck in a long-term partnership with a man, while Ash navigates the treacherous waters of same-sex attraction. The air is thick with tension as these deeply disturbed characters clash in a maelstrom of emotions.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers is an absolute revelation as Ash, her performance electrifying the audience with every subtle nuance and taut movement. She commands attention like a prizefighter, leaving you breathless as she wrestles with Tindall's complex script. The writing itself is a masterclass in fluidity, seamlessly weaving together queer romance, haunted house horror, and psychological suspense – though some tantalising threads are left frustratingly unexplored.
Alys Whitehead's set design is a work of art, the rippling back wall pulsating with an otherworldly energy that's amplified by Ellie Isherwood's unnerving soundscapes. This eerie atmosphere echoes the claustrophobic terror of 'The Yellow Wallpaper', hinting at a home possessed by some unseen malevolent force. The play also tackles themes of coercive control and male abuse, Ash's ex-fiancé Cas looming large in her life, while Ivy's boyfriend Max's grip tightens.
The supernatural elements could be seen as manifestations of the terror inflicted upon these women, their mental health deteriorating under the weight of it all. Yet, the play's metaphors – think flesh-eating and cutting – are plentiful but occasionally perplexing. While the surrealism is undeniably engaging, it doesn't always coalesce into a clear narrative, leaving you pondering the symbolism behind elements like Ash's stripped wallpaper.
Despite its narrative ambiguities and under-explained aspects (particularly regarding Ash's dark past), the production, directed by Emily Aboud, packs an undeniable punch. The moments of passion are almost choreographed, and the dual narration is infused with a captivating lyricism. At 90 minutes, 'Tender' is a visceral experience that's both tender and terrifying – a meal that may not be entirely satisfying but leaves you craving more long after the curtain falls.