Now Man Up

A hard-hitting drama about men’s mental health is about to be premiered in Norfolk.

The powerful plot and issues of Now Man Up are drawn from real-life stories that explore depression, anxiety and suicide as well as emphasising the power of asking for help.

And the first staging is also poignant because it is in memory of its creator Gretel Brice, an actor, director and choreographer from Happisburgh, who lost her brave battle with cancer just a few months after hatching the idea to create the play.

Now the Orange Elephant Theatre Company she founded has been relaunched by her friend Michelle Thompson, supported by Gretel’s talented daughters Megan and Matilda, to bring her vision to the stage six years after her passing. 

The shows are at Sheringham Little Theatre on March 5 and The Garage, Norwich the next day.

Michelle, a director, choreographer and writer who leads the company, said: “Gretel told me she wanted to create a play that explored these issues because she was aware of so many male friends and family members who had experienced struggles with their mental health. They expressed feeling lonely, disconnected and without purpose. 

“We ran two days of workshops in 2020 to explore the themes of the play and Gretel wrote one monologue which detailed a character’s anxiety attack. Before she died, she asked me to run her theatre company and to finish writing the rest of Now Man Up.

“This was the last thing Gretel was working on before she passed, so I have a duty to do it – and do it well.” 

Gretel’s death, then Covid, paused the project until 2024 when Orange Elephant was relaunched and the team of Norwich-based professional actors and theatre makers set about finishing Now Man Up.

“We interviewed lots of men who bravely, and generously shared their experiences with mental health struggles and suicidal ideation, with us. We are so grateful to them for doing so and hope they feel their stories have been told sensitively and respectfully,” said Michelle.

The drama looks at two men Jim and Toby who have been masking their mental health battles but are no longer able to do so. 

The play is a real labour of love, with many of the company having experience of the issues explored and aware of the gravity of these challenges.

“We know this will mean a lot to everyone who knew and loved Gretel, and hopefully to anyone who has been affected by mental health struggles, or knows and loves someone who has,” added Michelle.

“It shines a light on how difficult it can be to maintain the façade that everything is okay; it highlights the importance of talking and looking out for your friends. It is a very moving piece of theatre that some audience members may feel triggered by. 

“We will be signposting to support services following both performances. It is also important to us to be hopeful and show the power of asking for help. Our message to audiences is you are not on your own, even when you think you are. Things can get better.”

The two main male roles, and multiple other parts, are taken by Charlie Randall, a regular panto performer at Sheringham and Great Yarmouth, and Ashton Owen, an actor and puppeteer. Gretel’s daughter Megan, who was Dorothy in the last Sheringham panto, plays the female roles, while her sister Matilda is part of the creative team. 

Ten per cent of the ticket sales will be donated to suicide prevention charity CALM – the Campaign Against Living Miserably, via Work for Good.

Now Man Up is at Sheringham Little Theatre Thursday March 5 and The Garage Norwich on Friday March 6 – both shows at 7.30pm. Tickets from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or box office 01263 8222347, and the garage.org.uk or  01603 283382  

Content warning: The production includes themes of suicide, mental health, and strong language.