An Instinct for Kindness

In November 2010, Chris Larner accompanied his chronically ill ex-wife to Switzerland's Dignitas clinic. He came home with an empty wheelchair and a story to tell. This moving, bittersweet show reflects on the circumstances, morality and humanity surrounding the journey. In a candid, poignant and sometimes comic performance, Chris explores both the profound personal implications and the wider ethical considerations of the contentious issue of assisted dying.

The show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe 2011, where it won the coveted Scotsman Fringe First Award and was featured on BBC's Newsnight Review as a highlight of the festival.

'A wonderfully subtle and deceptively understated performance. This is story-telling of a very high order.' **** (The Times)

'The word extraordinary is misapplied... but there's few other words that do justice to Larner's show.' ***** (Edinburgh Evening News)

'Chris Larner tells his story simply... with scrupulous, unflinching honesty. This is a show that reminds us that how we die is as important as how we live.' **** (The Guardian)

Watch Chris Larner discuss the show in An Instinct for Kindness: Putting Dignitas in the spotlight.