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The Doctor's Dilemma - National Theatre (Lyttelton)

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THE DOCTOR’S Dilemma, by Bernard Shaw, opens in the National’s Lyttelton Theatre on July 24, 2012 (previews from July 17) before continuing in repertoire.

Described as disturbingly funny and psychologically incisive, The Doctor’s Dilemma takes on with an irreverent glee the dubious ethics of the men who play God.

Harley Street doctor Sir Colenso Ridgeon’s revolutionary tuberculosis treatment remains experimental and his resources restricted to ten selected patients.

However, the arrival of the striking and persuasive Jennifer Dubedat, desperate to save the life of her brilliant artist husband, prompts Ridgeon to invite the young couple to a dinner where he and his colleagues may assess the merits of the case.

Beguiled by the charismatic Dubedat and his lovely wife, they concur that his is a life worth saving, even at the expense of another. Yet no sooner are the medics congratulating themselves on their decision, than they are confronted by Dubedat’s questionable morality.

Meanwhile, their impoverished colleague Blenkinsop, the most worthy but least exceptional of the lot, reveals himself in dire need of treatment.

Nadia Fall directs a cast that includes Tom Burke, Aden Gillett (as Ridgeon), Paul McLeary, Genevieve O’Reilly (Jennifer Dubedat) and Malcolm Sinclair.

Aden Gillett, who has previously appeared at the National Theatre in Noises Off, has appeared recently on stage in Accolade (Finborough Theatre), as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing (Bath Theatre Royal) and Mary Poppins (West End). His television credits include Silk, The House of Elliot, Ivanhoe and The Queen’s Sister.

As well as appearing at the National Theatre in 13 and Emperor and Galilean, Genevieve O’Reilly has played Isabelle in Birdsong in the West End. Her film credits include Star Wars Episode III, The Matrix Revolutions and The Matrix Reloaded.

The Doctor’s Dilemma is designed by Peter McKintosh, with lighting by Neil Austin and sound by Gregory Clarke.