Sheffield Theatres, Crucible Studio – until 28 September 2019
Reviewed by Ian K Johnson
5*****
Reasons to Stay Alive is the true story of Matt Haigs struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide.
The play opens on stage with what looks like the inside of a persons brain. The brain opens up and we have on stage two guys playing the role of Matt (Phil Cheadle plays the older Matt while Mike Noble is the younger Matt). The older Matt is on stage telling the audience how things could have taken a different turn of events. We see the younger Matt talking to himself and counting steps to reach the top of a cliff which he contemplates jumping off. Older Matt tells him to stop and think of what he’s planning to do, to be told he has nothing to live for and is going to jump. Matt asks his younger self if he has anyone in his life to which he reply’s mother, father and a girlfriend, Older Matt tells him these are ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’. Older Matt tells him things will get better and to think of those who care for him. This leaves young Matt thinking of what he’s said and manages to climb down the cliff.
We then have flashbacks into how Matts life was back when he was working in Ibiza with his girlfriend Andrea (Janet Etuk), during nights partying with friends things start to materialise in Matts brain showing the audience that something isn’t quite right with him. He starts to spend his days in bed, no energy or inclination to get up, wanting, begging Andrea to stay with him. She has to continue going out to earn money to enable them to stay in Ibiza. Matts boss (Dilek Rose) calls to see Matt and cant see how ill he is. Andrea has to point out how unwell Matt is and decides to take him back home to Hull to stay with his parents (Chris Donnelly and Connie Walker). Matt falls into a deep depression and after being treated at the hospital starts medication and a long struggle to get back to some normality.
Mike Noble plays his part with so much emotion, his expressions take on a roller coaster of so many feelings of loss, grief and a void that no one will ever know.
During the play we are informed of many sentences, words, comments that folk think need to be said but don’t offer any help or support to people that are depressed.
This production is Co produced by Jonathan Watkins and adapted by April De Angelis.
Following on from its performances in Sheffield the production tours to Bristol Old Vic, HOME Manchester, York Theatre Royal, Leeds Playhouse, Northern Stage and Lawrence Batley Theatre and tours until 16th November.