A hard-hitting, powerful production exploring the profound struggles faced by people with mental illness is coming to The Web Theatre, Newtownards on Saturday, 20 October.

Produced by Quintessence Theatre (An Tain Arts Centre’s Company-In-Residence) and hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Cracks is a deeply moving and darkly comic play which follows a young Leanne who attempts to pick up the pieces of her life shattered by mental illness and an unsuccessful suicide attempt.

First devised by Quintessence in 2016 and directed by Anna Simpson, this work seeks to expose the lived experience of battling a severe mental illness in an inefficient and unsympathetic system through the eyes of one young woman, whilst demonstrating how those around also struggle to understand.

The play is performed by Leah Rossiter, Anthony Kinahan, Fiona O’Brien and The Web Theatre show is the final date on an 18-venue island-wide tour funded by the Arts Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Speaking about Cracks, The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Richard Smart said:

“While we have come a long way in breaking the stigma that surrounds poor mental health, we have still a way to go.

It’s only by tackling this stigma that people will feel able to talk to friends, family or support services in order to prevent the lows, most people experience from time to time, turning into something more complex.

That’s why I was delighted to support this production to help promote discussion around mental health locally and it’s also a great excuse to visit the superb Web Theatre which does so much to support the arts right here in Newtownards.”

Also speaking about the production, Amy McKelvey, Community Arts Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council said; “According to a recent report by World Health Organisation, 1 in 4 people will suffer from mental health problems at some point in their lives. Sadly, Northern Ireland has the highest rate of suicide of any of the UK regions and these figures have risen steadily since the 1970’s. Raising awareness about mental health is important because not only does it help to remove the stigma around the subject, but it also helps sufferers and their families to be able to identify the issues and to get help to deal with the illness. We hope that bringing this hard-hitting production to Ards will highlight these issues and create further conversation about mental health. A post show discussion will follow the production where issues arising from the play will be discussed.”

Candice Foster Artistic Director Web Theatre said; ” We are delighted to have been selected as one of the venues for this performance. We strongly believe that theatre has the power to not only entertain but also educate and empower.”

Tickets for the performance at The Web Theatre are priced £8 with a group discount for 10 people and over at £4 per ticket. Tickets can be booked at Ards Arts Centre, by phone on 028 9181 0803 and online at www.ardsarts.com