CARE Review: Linda Bassett Shines in Unsparing Retirement Home Drama
Linda Bassett gives a phenomenal performance in Alexander Zeldin’s unsparing retirement home drama CARE, now playing at the Young Vic in Waterloo. The acclaimed writer-director returns to his roots with this naturalistic tale, reminiscent of his breakthrough Inequalities trilogy about austerity Britain, but with a more universal focus on the care home experience.
The story centers on Bassett’s Joan, a grandmother placed in an unnamed home for what she believes is a short recuperation from a fall. Her family – daughter Lynn (Rosie Cavaliero) and grandsons Laurie (William Lawlor) and Robbie (Charlie Webb) – are struggling after the death of Lynn’s husband. As Joan’s memory fades, she grows confused and angry, realizing she may never leave. Bassett’s performance is extraordinary, unflinching, and brave, portraying a kindly woman slowly hollowed out over months.
Zeldin doesn’t shy away from the harsh reality: people are put into homes to die and be forgotten. Yet the play also celebrates the eccentric residents, from Richard Durden’s ethereal John to Hayley Carmichael’s uninhibited Simone. The octogenarian cast, including some stage debuts, is superb. Staff like Hazel (Llewella Gideon) and Fanta (Aoife Gaston) show the dedication required to keep the home running, even as scenes of nursery-like exercises feel depressing.
Joan’s family adds poignancy, with Laurie reacting with anger and Robbie with confused sadness to their grandmother’s decline. While the play is emotionally manipulative at times, with a clanging final note, it shines a much-needed light on the care system. With Bassett as our proxy, it’s a powerfully unsparing guide to the end of life.
Details
Venue: Young Vic, 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ. Tube: Waterloo.
Price: £12-£57. Runs 2hr 10min (no interval).
Dates: 20 May – 11 Jul 2026. Performances vary; check website for schedule.
