Cracking Up - new mental health comedy

Laughter is the best medicine - certainly according to NHS Surrey. And they're hoping you'll want to take it.

The PCT are using a show called 'Cracking Up' to help 'raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health and suicide, using a sensitive (and experience-based) mix of sketches and stand-up comedy'. It features comedian John Ryan, right, and Gareth Berliner and Box Clever Theatre.

There is much evidence that comedy can improve mental health, says Maya Twardzicki of Surrey PCT. 'Cracking Up has toured packed theatres in Surrey (Guildford, Leatherhead, Epsom, Redhill) and received overwhelmingly positive reactions from sell-out audiences of over 300.'

Could the show add something to your event? Maya says: 'The project can be presented as an interactive workshop or conference paper or excerpts of comedy or sketches can be performed at the conference after lunch, for example, or a fuller/complete show can be performed as evening entertainment at longer conferences'.

Forthcoming London dates include:

Monday 5th October at the Epsom Playhouse - 01372 742555 www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk
Tuesday 6th October at the Kings Head in Crouch End N8 - www.downstairsatthekingshead.com
Sunday 11th October at The Hob in Forest Hill SE23 - email: boxoffice@edcomedy.com - 0208 8550496

If you would like to know more about how 'Cracking Up' can help raise awareness about mental health and challenge stigma, contact Maya Twardzicki on m.twardzicki@nhs.net or call 077290 18264.