James Chapman from Tantrum Theatre wants to use theatre to bring attention to male mental illness in Newcastle.

Let us take you back to a scorching night in November 2015, when the Awesome Newcastle board gathered to be inspired by an amazing idea.

Inspire was certainly what Chapman did!

With all the charisma and authenticity of a trained performer, Chapman pitched for the $1,000 grant.

He expressed that the money would fund a theatre production, in a town where most productions are unfunded and rife with out-of-pocket expenses.

With a majority vote, Chapman’s idea to address the ‘black dog’ in the room won.

Today Awesome Newcastle is super excited to report that Chapman’s production of ‘Suicide Incorporated’ is close to opening.

Some of the grant money has already gone to buying a license for the show and creating a rocking poster.

The remaining grant money has allowed Chapman to pay people immediately, rather than spend from his own pocket.

Although the production journey hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Chapman, everything is on track for opening night in July.

Suicide Incorporated will run 28 – 30 July at Black Box Theatre, NCAC, 246 Parry Street Newcastle West.

To get tickets email [email protected] or buy them at the door.