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Writer's pictureOlivia Scull

Never Let Me Go - Bristol Old Vic REVIEW

For those who, like myself, enter this production with no prior knowledge—neither having read Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel nor seen its film adaptation—the initial marketing may appear somewhat misleading. It’s subtle and perhaps intentionally vague. The poster image of two hands entwined, paired with the title Never Let Me Go, suggests a classic romantic narrative, perhaps one tinged with loss. But the marketing gives no explicit hint of clones, tissue farms, or futuristic scientific experimentation. Instead, it alludes to themes of love and purpose, hinting at a life lived to serve another’s needs. It’s a clever approach, withholding the full story while maintaining a delicate honesty—reflective of how the characters within the play are kept in the dark about their own realities.



When Ishiguro published the novel in 2005, ethical debates around genetic engineering were already making waves, with legislation in the UK permitting the creation of “saviour siblings” - embryos conceived via IVF to provide compatible stem cells to save siblings from otherwise terminal conditions. Ishiguro stretches this ethical dilemma further, crafting a narrative where human beings are brought into existence solely for the purpose of organ donation, adding layers of philosophical and moral complexity that question the boundaries of humanity.


The play unfolds with Kathy, a carer in a medical institution. Initially, audiences might believe she is simply working in a hospital. As more details emerge, it feels like a mental institution, and then, suddenly, the truth clicks into place: Kathy and her companions are clones. This first act draws the audience into an intriguing mystery, masterfully building suspense and inviting viewers to piece together the clues until the unsettling revelation is made. This intensifies the impact of the story, which only gains in depth once the mystery is solved.



The narrative follows Kathy as she recounts her memories to a fellow clone, blending past and present to reveal her journey from school days to adulthood, and the path that led her to become a carer. The seamless shifts between these timelines are smooth and compelling, holding the audience’s attention as each scene glides into the next.


Nell Barlow’s performance as Kathy is central to the production; she remains onstage throughout the 130-minute, emotionally intense show, lending a powerful anchor to the complex storyline. The ensemble cast of nine delivers enthusiastic and, for the most part, captivating performances, each character’s growth and transformation depicted vividly, albeit sometimes unevenly.


Never Let Me Go brings Ishiguro’s unsettling vision to life with mystery, depth, and emotional intensity. The play’s layered approach to ethical questions and human relationships resonates deeply, particularly for those unacquainted with the story. It’s a production that keeps you guessing, then leaves you pondering the implications long after the curtain falls.

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