A new production debuting at venues in Sheringham and Norwich has taken its inspiration from real-life mental health issues to create a new show of movement and drama.
We caught up with Orange Elephant Theatre Company creative director Michelle Thompson to find out more.
What is the new show about?
Now Man Up is a brand new play about men’s mental health and suicide ideation. It follows two men who are struggling with anxiety and depression, and for a variety of reasons, don’t feel able to ask for help. They have both made huge efforts to mask their feelings for a really long time, but are now at a point where that is becoming too difficult maintain.
Why did you particularly decide to focus on men’s mental health?
In 2019, our founder, Gretel Brice, expressed that she wanted to create a play that explored this issue for many reasons; she knew men who had experienced poor mental health, and, she also felt that men were becoming more lonely and disconnected from one another. Before she died in 2020, we ran two days of R&D and Gretel wrote a monologue which then inspired this play. The issue is very close to our hearts, we all have loved ones who struggle with their mental health and or suicide ideation, and we wanted to write the play to both continue Gretel’s legacy, and as a dedication to the men we know and love.
The show is inspired by lived experiences. Can you share more on the writing process?
We interviewed several men who kindly shared their stories with us. There were a couple of commonalities in terms of how anxiety manifested for several of the men and this became one of the main themes of Now Man Up. Much of the play is also inspired by personal experience, we felt that this is such an important issue, and we wanted to do it justice.
It has taken us six years to get to a place where the script feels ready. This is due to a number of factors including navigating our own grief when Gretel died, the pandemic, and our own mental health, as well as supporting those close to us who have struggled. We had to write the piece from a place of truth because the issue is so sensitive, so it is filled with our own experiences, and those of the men we interviewed.
What started as a monologue by Gretel, has become a one act play, featuring three actors (Charlie Randall, Ashton Owen, and Megan Brice) who multi-role and has been written by me and Charlie. We’ve taken long time to craft a script that explores the journey the protagonists go on, and the ripple effect that their struggles has on everyone who loves them.
The show features movement and drama. What sort of production can the audience expect?
Audiences can expect a dynamic show that features physical theatre, and emotional performances. With minimal set, this is an ensemble piece where all three actors are playing multiple roles. Through flashbacks, choreographed sequences and reflective dialogue, Now Man Up creates a world that asks audiences to consider the signs that men are struggling, that are often missed, the pressures boys and men face and how we can all do more to support them.
How do you work as a company?
We are a creative arts company and each have different specialisms. Each of us has a different role with regards to the running of the company and when it comes to creating new work, we collaborate based on individual skills and strengths. Our ethos is imagine, create, connect. We take it in turns to suggest a creative project or theme and then support each other to realise it. Our practice is rooted in community engagement and using the arts for social change and to promote emotional wellbeing.
The company also runs workshops and retreats. Do you think the arts can help with mental health?
We absolutely believe the creative arts can help with mental health. Participating in the arts builds empathy and emotional awareness as well as providing a space for people to play; something that adults rarely get the chance to do, but really benefit from! Our creative workshops and retreats are focused on giving people an opportunity to take time for themselves, express their thoughts or feelings, and meet other people and build a sense of community to prevent social isolation which is an increasing problem in our society.
The company donates a percentage of sales to relevant charities. Who are you supporting with this production?
We are donating a percentage of our ticket sales to CALM , Campaign Against Living Miserably, the amazing suicide prevention charity. We are proud to support their work.
- Now Man Up is at Sheringham Little Theatre on Thursday 5 March 2026 and The Garage, Norwich on Friday 6 March 2026.
