We face a mental health crisis in Northern Ireland. We have a 25% higher prevalence of mental health problems than England, and seem to be failing to find a solution. This year, the arts community has been shattered by the loss of too many of our friends and colleagues to suicide.

Tinderbox want to do something. And that is to do what we do best. Create theatre. We see on a daily basis how access to creativity and imagination has a direct impact on mental health and studies are now backing up what we know to be true.

For this production Tinderbox are delighted to partner with Prime Cut Productions and The MAC to present EdgeFest; a 3-week festival of explosive new theatre by leading theatre companies, that dares to take us to the very edge of who we are. Prime Cut Productions present two plays, Every Day I Wake Up Hopeful (15 Feb – 1 Mar) and East Belfast Boy (16 Feb – 2 Mar) with a double bill of both running 17 – 3 March. We are honoured to collaborate on Edgefest and help draw attention to mental health in Northern Ireland.

If you want to talk about your cracked or broken pieces…

• Lifeline – 0808 808 8000 / Samaritans – 116 123
• Members of TheatreNI can access free, confidential support 24 hours, 7 days a week – 0800 389 5362, as well as confidential counselling sessions, via their Member Assistance Programme.

* Matinee performances 10 – 11 February at 2:30pm at the MAC.

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