EdFringe Show Opens Conversation Around Male Mental Health

From an award winning director, one-man show Glasgow '14 examines the 'unseen' illness of male mental health through the eyes of four different male characters, coping day to day, when an unexpected trauma sets the picture unravelling.

Writer Sally Lewis, who scored a hit at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016 with How is Uncle John?, returns by popular demand with an equally sensitive take on an overlooked subject, inspired by real life stories. Directed by Fringe veteran and award-winning theatre director and playwright Benet Catty, the play follows the lives of four men suffering from mental health issues and coping in their own ways. All four characters are played by master of the monologue, actor Neil Gwynne.

Glasgow '14 casts light on the 'unseen' illness of male mental health, sufferers of which mostly continue to lead outwardly normal lives. The shows deals in particular with the 'masculine' habit of not talking about things, which has led to male mental health being ignored, with significant consequences. Whereas three out of four suicides (76%) are by men, and suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35 (ONS), men have measurably lower access to the social support of friends, relatives and community (R. Boreham and D. Pevalin). 'Despite the serious subject matter, the story is a hopeful one,' said Neil Gwynne. 'Sally's nuanced script draws some unexpected humour and pays tribute to the resilience of the people of Glasgow in the face of a traumatic incident.'

Neil Gwynne has played the title role in Scaramouche Jones by Justin Butcher (Matthew Ellison, UK tour). Among others, director Benet Catty has directed six productions at the Edinburgh Festival, of which three won London Fringe transfers and four featured on multiple Critics Choice lists. Best-selling author and playwright Sally Lewis made her Fringe debut in 2016 with the critically acclaimed How is Uncle John?, a powerful story that calls attention to the adult victims of modern day slavery.

Ticket prices: £10 / concessions £8

Venues box office: 0131 510 2384 / boxoffice.surgeons@thespaceuk.com

Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com

Suitability: 16+

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