MON MARCH 13TH 7PM
SUGAR PUNCH PRESENT
IN ASSOCIATION WITH ANDY'S MAN CLUB
Sugar Punch presents a night of stories and conversation in aid of suicide prevention, in partnership with Andy's Man Club.
The stigma around talking about our mental health in this country is a deadly one. Often when we're going through a storm, we don't know where, when or how we can open up about it. Start Without Me is an evening where you can.
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In this thoughtfully curated project, four new and upcoming writers share fictional stories informed by their own experiences of loss, mental health and the support they received. It's a show that will make you laugh, cry and start talking.
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The lives of two recovering addicts collide in a rehab reception. Through boredom, curiosity and waiting, they're forced into a conversation about how they got here and why.
The lives of two recovering addicts collide in a rehab reception. Through boredom, curiosity and waiting, they're forced into a conversation about how they got here and why.
Inspired by a true story, an unexpected visitor gives a young man the devastating news that life can be hard, painful, beautiful, and sad, often all at the same time.
Two men meet at Sunderland's beloved landmark Wearmouth Bridge to contemplate taking their own lives, question and reminisce through roars of an on-going football game.
Was it an accident, or did he jump? A priest goes through an existential crisis of faith while processing the fact a workman, just minutes before, fell to his death on the job.
After the show, the venue will be open for two hours where you can join in the discussion at the bar, find out more about Andy's Man Club or take a look at AFOS' exhibition of local art. If you're unable to make it to the live performance, it will be recorded and later distributed online for free.
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CONTENT WARNING: This show contains themes of suicide, death and addiction. Please email for more
information. Full and detailed list of content will be available closer to the day of the show.
GINA RUFFIN
PRODUCER & DIRECTOR
Gina is a producer and director from Lancashire, currently based in Newcastle. She specialises in working with new and early-career actors and is passionate about creating theatre from authentic, regional voices. The conception of Start Without Me comes from her own experience of losing a close friend to suicide in 2019. The work and outreach of charities like Andy's Man Club have been monumental in their impact upon suicide awareness and it's an honour to be contributing to the cause through this project.