When Everyone Talks at Once, a new stage play tackling mens mental health
Melon and Spud Presents....When Everyone Talks at Once by John Corbyn with original music by Euan McCandless. Directed by OFFIE nominee Laurel Marks.
Over the last few years Melon and Spud have been working hard on developing an original stage play called When Everyone Talks at Once. The founders, Francesca Marago and Michael Searle felt that it was time to showcase mens mental health through a creative lens and open up a platform to connect with individuals who may have experienced an inability to speak out due to societal norms.
We teamed up with John, our writer who used this play for his own healing...."Writing and researching helped drag me from my darkest moments during my first depressive state. It helped me recognise what I was going through was real, understandable and ok. But more importantly it made me aware that I was not alone. I truly believe that this play can help people in exactly the same way it helped me and I am so grateful for any and all support in putting these words onto the stage for people to see".
The play focuses on male masculinity and bringing awareness to an overlooked area of the mental health sector.
The Play In Detail:
One study, five subjects and a twenty three year old man’s journey with depression.
A young man is placed into an induced medical coma after suffering for many years. Suppressing his emotions for as long as he can he is left with one final option. As the study unfolds, and memories begin to untangle, the subjects try to find a way to make sense of the reality and absurdity that blurs as the story is unveiled.
When Everyone Talks at Once investigates men’s experiences of depression and leaves depth of conversation to be had around the trajectory of emotional distress that can manifest in stages of behavioural changes. This is a non profit production that is aimed to help raise awareness for mens mental health. As a result, all profits from the play will be going to our charity partners; Mens Speak Mens Groups (https://www.menspeak.co.uk), CALM (https://www.thecalmzone.net), Inner Allies (https://www.innerallies.co.uk) and The New Normal (https://www.thenewnormalcharity.com) all of which do brilliant work to support those going through a mental health struggle.
Throughout the year we have been fundraising via Go Fund Me to make this play a reality for all to see and experience. Out of our £3500 goal we have managed to raise just over £1800. If anyone reading this would like to make a donation to our fundraiser to help us keep this show afloat and help with basic running costs please visit our fundraiser here: https://gofund.me/f7f8f9fd. All donations recieved so far has allowed us to pay for our theatre venue and for that we are so thankful.
The play will be showing at The Playground Theatre, 8, Latimer Industrial Estate, Latimer Rd, London W10 6RQ from 8th - 11th February 2023. Matinee shows will be held on 9th and 11th February.
We are offering a special educational performance at 3pm on 9th February to school groups and colleges who may be interested in coming along with a special Q&A from some of our charity partners. All tickets will be reduced to £10 for this performance.
To book tickets please visit the Playground Theatre website: https://theplaygroundtheatre.london/events/when-everyone-talks-at-once/
We hope to see you there.
Francesca and Mike @ Melon and Spud Productions