Critically acclaimed two-person show Hold the Line comes to Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle from 29th April to 2nd May 2026, following a successful debut at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Inspired by writer and lead performer Sam Macgregor’s real-life experiences on the NHS 111 frontline, the upcoming Newcastle shows mark a homecoming for the Heaton actor.
Set during a single, nightmare shift in a London call centre, the play offers a glimpse into the rarely seen world of healthcare’s unsung heroes – the call handlers.
When Gary, a health adviser and unlikely everyman, answers a routine call from a panicked son whose father is slipping into a diabetic coma, the shift quickly spirals into chaos.
The show is performed as a dynamic multi-role piece, blending sharp observational humour with deeply felt moments of connection.
Drawing on lived experience and first-hand insight, Macgregor shines a light on one of the NHS’s most invisible roles, capturing both the quiet heroism and everyday tragedy of those holding it all together.