A new production image has been released of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers and Nadi Kemp-Sayfi, who star in Tender at Bush Theatre from 9 July.
Following a sold-out run in the Bush Theatre’s Studio in 2024, Eleanor Tindall’s thriller-come-romance transfers to the main house, the Holloway Theatre, running until 1 August, with a press night on 13 July.
Presented by Jessie Anand Productions in association with Broccoli Arts and Bush Theatre, Tender subverts expectations of queer love stories, blending romance with darker surreal elements.
The production stars Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, a Critics’ Circle Theatre Award winner for Romeo and Juliet, alongside Nadi Kemp-Sayfi, currently appearing in Sherlock Holmes at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
The play has been described as “An engrossing exploration of repressed sexuality, self-discovery, and the search for belonging” by The Voice Magazine and “Deeply entertaining. Combines the sweetness of a contemporary queer rom-com with the dark underbelly of body horror” by Broadway World.
Writer Eleanor Tindall said: “I’m so delighted to be back at the Bush this summer, and to bring Tender to the main house. Being given the opportunity to explore what extra dimensions the play could take on with a bit more breathing space, and to bring Ivy and Ash’s rollercoaster story to a wider audience, is such a privilege. I’m so thrilled to have the incredible Francesca Amewudah-Rivers taking on Ash, and equally joyful that the wonderful Nadi Kemp-Sayfi is returning as Ivy – and I’m so excited to see what they and the brilliant creative team do with the show as we transfer to the Holloway Theatre.”
Directed by Emily Aboud, the production reunites the original creative team behind the 2024 hit.
The story follows Ivy, who appears to have her life mapped out, and Ash, who is grappling with the aftermath of a troubled relationship, as a chance encounter sparks an intense connection.
As their relationship deepens, an unsettling presence begins to emerge, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination.
By turns thrilling and surreal, Tender combines elements of romance, horror and psychological drama in a limited summer run.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
