A NEW production celebrating 70 years of the NHS will be staged at the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, on Friday, September 21, at 7.30pm.

Get Well Soon, written by Ged Cooper for the award-winning Mikron Theatre Company, is a comic play with a social c

All is not well at St Monica’s Hospital. There are bugs and bed blockers, A&E services are under threat and belaboured hospital boss Simon has more problems than he needs both at work and home.

His Dad has had a stroke, his daughter is in revolt and now hungry businesses with an eye on the profits are snapping at his heels.

Seventy years ago, Nye Bevan introduced free healthcare for all but can his dreams survive the pressures of the 21st century? Can Simon find a cure for his family troubles and can Nurse Danuta save the day with her Polish pastries and proverbs?

Director Marianne McNamara said: “Get Well Soon celebrates the NHS in its 70th year. We’ve commissioned a show that is packed with original music and highlights the importance of this unique British institution. I doubt there is anyone in the United Kingdom that hasn’t benefited from it and it’s free.”

Playwright Ged Cooper added: “I love Mikron’s lively and accessible theatrical style. You laugh a lot at a Mikron play but then you go away and think.

"I was thrilled when they asked me to write about the NHS on its 70th birthday. I feel strongly about the NHS. To research and write about it was an honour and privilege – and great fun.”

Now in its 47th year of touring, Mikron travels around the country by river and road, playing at 150 venues a year. It is a favourite with Richmond audiences and this new production follows the success of last year’s Best Foot Forward that chartered the achievements of another great institution – the YHA.

The Get Well Soon cast includes James McLean, well known for his starring roles in previous Georgian Theatre Royal pantomimes.

Tickets are from £8 to £21 and are available from the box office on 01748 825252 or via the online booking service on georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk.