Review of ‘Tender’:”Scarring romance leaves no mark on its audience”

Don’t trust the title — for better and for worse. There’s nothing smooth about two wounded characters falling for each other, only for their story (spoiler alert) to break into pieces at the end. And it’s not like the script makes it too easy to masticate it either. There’s nothing inherently wrong about Eleanor Tindall’s writing, which is overall adequate and somewhat engaging. But the brilliance that should pervade a surrealist narrative about romance and self-discovery is simply not there — nor is there a solid reason to sink your teeth into it.

Ivy and Ash walk completely separate paths. Or so they think. While Ash has just moved after a tough breakup, Ivy has a long-term partner, a job, and, overall, the stability everyone wishes for. But it isn’t enough. Deep down, she carries so much trauma. And so much unhappiness. There’s a secret she hasn’t told her boyfriend about. And soon, there will be another. A random first encounter with Ash will be followed by a few friendly dates. And not too long afterwards, they will start growing feelings for each other. All the time, unaware that they were already linked somehow.

Besides a few phantasmagoric elements- in all fairness, they don’t go much further than a hissing, wobbling wall -there’s not that much originality to the plot. Nor does the approach to it feel fresh. And for the most part, it comes across as underwritten. The recount introduces some highly poignant topics, mainly centred on self-discovery and the pursuit of one’s true joy. But when it comes to exploring them, particularly through the protagonists’ relationship, it barely scratches the surface.

As a result, the thought-provoking qualities that would have made the narrative resonant aren’t fully formed. And many times, they are completely absent. Although the plot evolves, it rarely conveys profundity. Despite all the distress they’ve endured, the characters are still one-dimensional. There is an entangled connection between the two, but it has more to do with events than emotions, personality, and arc. Inevitably, the whole thing comes across as slightly soap operatic. And even through that lens, its rushed conclusion makes it unfulfilling.

We can find redemption in the cast’s performances, both of which are acceptable and occasionally shine. They don’t share the highest level of rapport, but that might be in part due to the script’s underdevelopment. However, we can appreciate the nuance both actresses demonstrate, especially Nadi Kemp-Sayfi’s affecting portrayal, as well as their convincing range, which Francesca Ameduwah-Rivers excels at in her multi-role rendition.

Every story has been told. But that doesn’t mean they all deserve to. While Tender doesn’t belong in the second category, it doesn’t make too much effort to differentiate itself from the former either. Consequently, a familiar yet still potentially stirring plot loses its chance not by taking the wrong direction, but by not really knowing where it’s heading or what it’s actually trying to tell. As such, instead of a juicy piece, it leaves us with a rather stale bite.

All pictures credit to Harry Elletson.

Tender plays at London’s Bush Theatre until 1 August. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara