06 September 2019
Newsdesk
To coincide with the premiere of their latest production Under Three Moons, Manchester based Box of Tricks Theatre Company have joined forces with a consortium of charities in Manchester, Huddersfield and Liverpool including Mind Manchester and the Samaritans to deliver a bespoke programme of mental health engagement activities that will raise awareness, engage new audiences and spark a conversation about everyday mental health for men.
Under Three Moons tells the story of two men growing together, a relationship that’s close but often unarticulated. It shows how the lack of direct expression can become the defining trait in a life. The new play explores male friendships, our perception of masculinity and how our attitude towards men’s mental health has shifted over the years.
Box of Tricks will be running the Under Three Moons Social Club, an informal post-show chat about the play and issues raised. Alongside voices from local mental health charities, the Under Three Moons cast and company will spark a relaxed conversation about everyday mental health in the modern age, the changing face of masculinity and the nature of male friendship. The Under Three Moons Social Club is free and everyone is welcome.
The first sessions are:
· The Lowry, Salford – Wednesday 25 September 2019 (with Mind Manchester)
· Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield – Friday 4 October 2019 (with The Samaritans)
· Unity Theatre, Liverpool – Friday 11 October 2019 (with a local mental health charity TBC)
Co-Artistic Director of Box of Tricks said Adam Quayle:
“In recent years, a long-overdue conversation about male mental health has been sparked. As a society, we’re finally beginning to recognise that a culture of not talking, of ‘manning up’ is making men miserable. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45. That’s a pretty stark fact. In an age where we’ve seen the shift from lad culture to metrosexual man to toxic masculinity, it’s time to talk. Box of Tricks’ mission is ‘Every story told. Every voice heard’ and that applies not just to the work we put on stage, but to the world beyond; our audiences and everyone with whom we engage.
“With that firmly in mind, alongside our tour of Under Three Moons, we’re delighted to be launching a raft of activities to get people talking and to raise mental health awareness. Front and centre, we’ll be hosting post-show Under Three Moons Social Clubs – an informal and welcoming platform to talk about mental health in the modern age. Inspired by the play, we’ll be joined by leading voices from local support networks – including Manchester Mind and the Samaritans – to talk about everyday mental wellbeing, self-care, male friendship and the changing face of masculinity. As a man who has battled with depression over the years, I know from personal experience that it’s good to talk and I look forward to hearing what people have to say.”
Under Three Moons will open at The Lowry, Salford from the 24-28 September and then tour to Huddersfield, Liverpool, Crewe, Hull, Ormskirk, York, Leeds, Newcastle, Mold and Whitehaven.
For further information on the production and programme of mental health engagement activities visit www.boxoftrickstheatre.co.uk.
Tour dates
24 – 28 September at 8pm - The Lowry, Salford
(Matinees: Parent & Baby Performance Weds 25 Sept 11am | Sat 28 Sept 2pm)
Box office: 0343 208 6000 https://thelowry.com
1 – 5 October at 7.30pm - Lawrence Batley Cellar Studio, Huddersfield
(Matinee: Sat 5 October 2:30pm)
Box office: 01484 430528 https://www.thelbt.org
9 – 12 October at 7.30pm - Unity Theatre, Liverpool
Box office: 0151 7094988 https://www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk/
15 October at 7:30pm - Crewe Lyceum Studio
Box Office: 01270 368242 https://crewelyceum.co.uk/Online/
16 – 17 October at 8pm - Hull Truck Studio
Box office: 01482 323638 https://www.hulltruck.co.uk/
18 October at 7:45pm - Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds
Box Office: 0113 376 0318 http://www.carriageworkstheatre.co.uk
21 October at 7.30pm The Arts Centre, Ormskirk, Edge Hill University
Box Office: 01695 584480 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/artscentre/
22 October at 7.45pm - York Theatre Royal
Box office: 01904 623568 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk
25-26 October at 7:30pm -Live Theatre, Newcastle
Box office: 0191 2321232 https://www.live.org.uk/
28 – 30 October at 7.45pm - Theatr Clwyd, Mold
Box office: 01352 701521 https://www.theatrclwyd.com
2 November at 8pm - Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven
Box office: 01946 692422 https://www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk/
