How Can(t) I Help?

How Can(t) I Help?

Holly GowAmateur Company

Google Holly Gow
60 minutesJade Studio
GP receptionists AKA the gatekeepers from hell. Except I'm not. Well, not always. How Can(t) I Help? is a one-woman show recounting the best and mostly worst times working as a GP receptionist. An NHS GP receptionist. The shoulder to cry on, the hand to slap samples into and the face to scream at. From cheap coffee to fighting off stool samples. From assisting pervy men with checking their blood pressure to the aftermath of the pandemic. Welcome one and all to the circus of patients, colleagues and smells of Flowerbank Surgery.

About Holly Gow

How Can(t) I Help? is a one-woman show by Holly Gow, performed at the Jade Studio during Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Drawing on her time working as an NHS GP receptionist at Flowerbank Surgery, Holly recounts the best and mostly worst moments of the job — from fielding pervy patients checking blood pressure to managing the aftermath of the pandemic. The 60-minute show blends character comedy with new writing and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Content warnings include distressing themes and strong language.

Why see this show?

An insider's account of NHS frontline life that goes beyond the usual healthcare clichés — chaotic, funny and told from the specific vantage point of the person everyone least wants to deal with. A fresh comic perspective on a genuinely stressful job.

Tickets

£15 (12)

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When

Monday 11 - Saturday 23 August 2025

All performances at 20:45

12 performances

Duration

60 mins

Cast

1 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Venue
Jade Studio

The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where does it take place?

It is performed at the Jade Studio as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Is there an age guidance?

Yes, the show is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £15, with a concession rate of £12.

Are there any content warnings?

Yes — the show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes and strong language/swearing.

What is the show about?

It is a one-woman character comedy recounting the experiences of working as an NHS GP receptionist, including encounters with patients, colleagues and the aftermath of the pandemic.

About This Theatre Production

How Can(t) I Help? is a theatre performance at Jade Studio during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience compelling storytelling brought to life by talented performers. Theatre at Edinburgh ranges from intimate black box productions to grand stage spectacles.

Venue: Jade Studio

Jade Studio is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

Tips for Attending

  • Check for trigger warnings if sensitive to certain topics
  • Most Fringe theatre runs without interval
  • Latecomers may not be admitted
  • Consider matinee performances for a relaxed experience

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £15

Age Guidance: 16+

Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2025

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.How Can(t) I Help? represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2025?

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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API