Matt

A Norfolk actor and writer is stepping into the spotlight to showcase his own inspirational journey from addiction and attempted suicide to recovery and resilience. Peter Dewar says the poignant personal drama sees audience members shedding tears of sadness then joy, and is giving hope to people sharing the same struggles.

The show, called Matt, is heading to Sheringham Little Theatre on November 19, and is also at The Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft on November 28.

Peter, 45, from Great Yarmouth, plays the title role, which is based on his real-life story, which saw him begin to suffer mental health problems as a child with anxiety, low mood, and intrusive thoughts from his OCD obsessive compulsive disorder. But things spiralled downwards 12 years ago when he split from his girlfriend. “We broke up and I broke down” explained the former gym owner and personal fitness trainer. “I also had back pain from the gym, and found prescription painkillers helped me feel better, euphoric and more confident. “You should only take them for a few days, but I got addicted and was taking 20 a day to ease my mental problems too – telling lies to get more. Then one day in 2012 I was feeling so worthless and hopeless I took an overdose of 50 paracetamol in a Yarmouth park, but called my mum to tell her what I’d done and where I was. I didn’t really want to end it, but was punishing myself.”

Hospital treatment included calling in a mental health crisis team, who started to put Peter on the road to recovery, which included using his performing arts skills to share
his journey. He said: “I was also a rap artist and wrote a song about my story – then realised I could use my acting skills to turn it from a four-minute song to a 100-minute play,
with a message that gives other people to strength to turn their lives around too.”

After two sell-out shows last year it is now touring again, backed by Arts Council funding, but with Peter now feeling strong enough to play himself. “I was ready to step back into the dark cloud, and it has made the show even more powerful. The story is a rollercoaster of emotions and doesn’t pull any punches but it’s not a sob story I hope people find it inspiring, hopeful and uplifting. “The feedback from audiences has been brilliant. And if it helps just one person by giving them hope it is worth it.”

Staff from mental health charity Mind are also attending performance to offer support to anyone in need – sufferers or their families.

Peter is keen to take the show to other venues and organisations which would like to share the story. And the story has also been turned into a book. To contact Peter or order the book visit his website https://reflectproductionsgy.co.uk.

Tickets for the Sheringham show are available on www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or via the box office on 01263 822347.