The Gary and Robert Blues

At MHAG we're thrilled to have always been supported by theatre group Forthright (you may also know them as Jestaminute- and we want to help them as they embark on a crowdfunding project to get their fabulous mental health play The Gary and Robert Blues seen by even more people.

In their words, the play is

"A funny, angry and poignant story of one man using his creation of a new stand-up comedy act to find a path through his confused and damaged mind; and reconnect with the world. Trying to understand his own muddled thinking he looks at the irrational way in which society reacts to mental health issues. Inter cut with a blues music soundtrack, this powerful show is a mix of theatre and stand-up. This is the first in a trilogy of plays we are planning tackling different aspects of mental health.

Whilst we are obviously aiming to progress our artistic ambitions; the play is also important as it raises awareness of mental health issues – particularly those relating to men."

And in the words of their audiences:

".....Educational, emotional and very human..........Thought-provoking, myth-busting and highly recommended viewing." Laura Hughes Ember Counselling.

“pertinent and informative” Paul Milton, creative director at Everyman Theatre, Gloucester.

“.....the actor – Stephan Bessant – gave a brilliant performance which offered significant insights into the experience of mental illness for men.......” .  Pam Morley, senior lecturer, Mental Health Division, Birmingham City University

To pledge your help or find out more, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/forthright-gary/

And for their Facebook page, visit https://www.facebook.com/Forthright-997121107098344/?fref=ts

Thank you!

Sheila's M.H.S. Mental Health Show

A comment from chair Rebecca about the upcoming Mental Health Show at the Palace Theatre:

"Whether it's speaking to people with mental illness, family and friends affected by it or those working in mental health, we're convinced more must be done to focus on improving mental wellbeing.

"Across Worcestershire we are very concerned about higher than national average rates of depression, self harm and suicide.  At the same time funding is being reduced and services are being cut.

"For the last three years the Redditch Mental Health Action Group has been committed to bringing interested parties together who are seeking to improve existing services, create further support and tackle stigma. 

"Sheila McMahon gave her support to Redditch MHAG in 2014 through her hilarious yet poignant stand up act at the Redditch Palace Theatre.  We are delighted to see her return next month with her very own Mental Health Show.  We know from the success of past performances in Redditch, the arts are an essential route to helping people better understand mental illness and to get people openly discussing their own mental health.  Not only are we looking forward to seeing Sheila's Mental Health Show, we are delighted that she is eager to promote Redditch MHAG too!"

 

The night starts at 7.45pm on Saturday, February 6, in the Room Upstairs at Redditch Palace Theatre. It promises to be great for all attending!

Buy tickets or find out more here.