What is the problem?
Suicide is the biggest killer of men in the UK, disproportionately effecting more men in the North of England. These communities might struggle to go to a talking group or therapist or even talk to their own families - so how do you engage them?
For us - we use our skills as a community focussed theatre company and give them a show, an opportunity to do something creative and to join our community. But we can't do it alone, we believe the best way to sustain change is by working together.
What is it?
BIG STRONG MAN is an arts project that features a hilarious and powerful show and creative activity workshops for people at risk of suicide in the North of England. We interrogates men's mental health and society through raucous interactive cabaret.
In the show, four Northern lads are given the impossible task of rebuilding Northern masculinity in one night. Only one of them can become the BIG STRONG MAN and save the North. Which one? That’s up to you! The Growth House, invites you for a night of Poundland level extravagance, side-splitting comedy and electrifying performances. Featuring song, dance, improvisation, boyband parodies, lip syncs, karaoke and a bear, BIG STRONG MAN is an unforgettable alternative comedy night out.
Why we need your help
This year we're taking the show to theatres and community spaces in loads of places across the North, such as Darlington, Leeds, Hull, Manchester, Blackpool, Bolsover, Rotherham and more. Turns out though, taking a show on tour is expensive! The travel, accommodation and staffing costs alone are over £35,000.
We don't want to charge an arm and a leg and keep out the very people we want the show to reach - the people that might not go to an Andy's Man Club or watch a documentary... but will go for a night out!
In addition to the ticket, we will be delivering free creative activity before the show and reimbursing travel, including poetry writing, storytelling, singing and more.
These are communities that need a project like this - delivered locally, accessible, fun and building a sense of cooperation.
How we’ll spend the money
The money raised will let us hire a Sound Designer to work on the show, subsidise tickets for community groups, help cover transportation and allow us to deliver more workshops that teach people creative ways to look after their mental health.
Any additional money raised will be spent on giving more people the chance to see the show for free.
For every £1 we get in donation, we can raise another £3 from funding applications.
Values
- If you believe that suicides are preventable, support our show
- If you believe in collective cooperation and working together for the betterment of society, support our show
Contact
If you want to get in touch to discuss supporting the show in another way, you can contact Sam Dunstan: [email protected]
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