JABS The Booster Tour (1)

What is believed to be the first theatrical play ever to be set in a Covid 19 vaccination centre is about to visit The Hermon Chapel Arts Centre in Oswestry. “JABS” is based on the comical and not-so-comical experiences of coronavirus vaccinator Sally Tonge, scripted and directed by Chris Eldon Lee – both of the midland’s legendary comedy group ‘Three Men In A Bowtie’.

Most people have now been vaccinated, but the play reveals what life is like at the other end of the syringe.

“A story like this comes along once in a hundred years and touches absolutely everyone”, says Chris. “When Lockdown drove us off the comedy circuit, Sally re-trained with the NHS as an (unregistered) Covid 19 vaccinator.”

“After rigorous training, I worked in a number of Shropshire vaccination centres”, says Sal. “I came across so many crazy stories and moving moments. There was comedy gold happening in my vaccination pod every day.”

“I’d text Chris to share them and it became obvious that a play simply had to be written as soon as possible. The play is based on true stories, though patient confidentiality is always preserved.”

JABS is played largely for affectionate laughs ... with a few gentle moments of poignancy, a smattering of new songs and a touch of audience participation. It’s very much conceived as a piece of pub theatre … and intended to be a love letter to the NHS.

Sally plays herself, whilst fellow actors Christina Cubbin and Paul Wilkinson portray an assortment of 16 characters who appear in her pod for a few minutes each.

The Love Lee Productions team are confident their play is uniquely the first of its kind. It was written and rehearsed in record time and has been such a surprise success, a revival was inevitable.