Playwright takes mental health production on tour

Peter Dewar will take his play about his struggles with his mental health on tour in Norfolk and Suffolk, thanks to funding from the Arts Council

A playwright will take his autobiographical stage play to audiences in Norfolk and Suffolk, thanks to funding from the Arts Council.

Peter Dewar wrote and directed Matt, which premiered at the St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth in June.

The story reflects Dewar's own battle with depression, anxiety and addiction to prescription painkillers - which saw him receiving weeks of treatment at Great Yarmouth's Northgate Hospital - and the resilience of those who supported him through it.

"I'm thrilled to be taking Matt to all these places," said Dewar, who also directed the play's premiere, and will play take the lead role in the touring production.

"It's very much my story but I didn't feel ready to play the part myself when it was first staged," he said.

"The experiences I went through were too recent and too raw. But now the time seems right and I will be supported by a cast of four professional actors in telling a story that I know people will find uplifting."

'Overcome challenges'

The play - also available as a book - charts his recovery, exploring themes of hope and healing, and the transformative power of support from family, friends and the community.

"If there's one thing I would like audiences to take away from Matt is that it is possible to overcome seemingly impossible challenges with the help of others," said Dewar.

He has received almost £17,000 in Arts Council funding to stage the production in theatres around the two counties, including Southwold Arts Centre and the Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft, Norwich Theatre Stage 2, and Sheringham Little Theatre.

The play will also return to St George's Theatre, with shows taking place in October and November.