Tender
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers and Nadi Kemp-Sayfi perform in 'Tender', pouring drinks at a table.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (Ivy) & Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Ash). Photo by Harry Elletson.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi, as Ivy, interacts with a glass container on stage, surrounded by dim lighting.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (Ivy). Photo by Harry Elletson.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers leans against a pillar, illuminated by purple stage lights, with a soft backdrop.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Ash). Photo by Harry Elletson.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi as Ivy sits pensively on stage, wearing a white top and grey trousers.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (Ivy). Photo by Harry Elletson.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers and Nadi Kemp-Sayfi perform in ‘Tender’ at Bush Theatre, with a simple set.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (Ivy) & Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Ash). Photo by Harry Elletson.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers smiles confidently in a denim jacket, while Nadi Kemp-Sayfi sits in the background.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (Ivy) & Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Ash). Photo by Harry Elletson.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi as Ivy sits on the floor, looking thoughtfully at a laptop, with a chair behind.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (Ivy). Photo by Harry Elletson.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi as Ivy sits on a pink beanbag, while Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Ash stands behind her.
Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (Ivy) & Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Ash). Photo by Harry Elletson.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, in a denim jacket, ponders thoughtfully on stage, with a blurred figure behind.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Ash). Photo by Harry Elletson.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, dressed in a denim jacket, stands thoughtfully on stage with a blurred figure nearby.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Ash). Photo by Harry Elletson.

Tender

Venue

Bush Theatre

By turns thrilling and surreal, Tender promises to subvert your expectations of queer love stories. 

Ivy has life sorted; she’s got a flat, a boyfriend and she knows exactly where it’s all headed. Except there is this thing that she tries not to think about. The thing she left in her childhood bedroom.

Ash should be having the time of her life. But, fresh out of a bad relationship, she’s full of things she can’t leave behind. And there’s something off about her new flat. The wallpaper pulses and sometimes it sounds like a heartbeat.

Two women. A chance encounter that tumbles into infatuation. And an undeniable force waiting just out of sight, ready to wreck it all.

Playing for a strictly limited run, this upscaled production reunites the original creative team behind the 2024 sold-out Studio hit. The dazzling and moving play by Eleanor Tindall (Before I Was A Bear, Soho Theatre) is directed by Emily Aboud (Lady Dealer, Bush Theatre).

Closing

01/08/2026

Running Time

1h25

Genre

Drama, Plays

Age & Content

TBC

Please Note:

This production contains the use of strong language, intermittent discussion & depiction of physical
violence, injury and blood, depiction of stalking behaviours & references to
harassment, references to sexually coercive behaviour, references to & description of sex &
pornography, references to termination of pregnancy, depiction of homophobia, biphobia and bi-erasure, depiction of alcohol consumption, depiction of smoking, flashing lights & haze Please find a self care guide here

Cast:

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers

Nadi Kemp-Sayfi

Creative:

Writer -

Eleanor Tindall

Director -

Emily Aboud

Set & Costume Designer -

Alys Whitehead

Lighting Designer -

David Doyle

Sound Designer -

Ellie Isherwood

Intimacy Director -

Tommy Ross-Williams

Associate Intimacy Director -

Sophie Cooch

No accessibility performances are currently scheduled for this show.