18.07.2022
Local musician Matt McGuinness is using his Edinburgh Fringe Preview Show to raise awareness and funds for Derby Samaritans. Matt is preparing ahead of his 22-date run at the Fringe this August by performing at his local – the Sitwell Arms, Horsley Woodhouse – on Samaritans Awareness Day 24th July with profits going to Derby Samaritans.
Cate Hollinshead, Derby Samaritans Branch Director, says “We have a great relationship with Matt, and we support the fantastic work he is doing in mental health outreach. 24/7 is an important day for the Samaritans, so a gig like this to help raise awareness is simply brilliant.”
The Samaritans Talk to Us campaign lets people know that trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for anyone who is struggling to cope. “We recognise the impact Matt’s show has on audiences. The Derby team are excited to see a little slice of the Edinburgh Fringe on the doorstep. It’s great to be able to share what we do and encourage people to make use of this vital service when they need to,” says Cate.
In We Are What We Overcome Matt McGuinness weaves tales of how he got to the brink of suicide and came back to create a show to address mental health challenges faced by middle-aged men. Matt delivers highly personal, difficult, and eclectic stories punctuated with self-deprecating humour and original songs. “Music is a powerful medium to get messages across. Mixed with comedy and chat, it’s a winning combination,” says Matt.
Matt talks about his childhood, adulthood, and parenthood. From boxes of pristine first edition unsold albums breaking through the ceiling like the daily reminder of the need for a psychiatrist appointment to fights in Build-A-Bear with the in-laws. A unique live show specifically designed to get audiences talking. “Bearing your soul on stage really breaks down barriers and gets people talking and that’s what this is all about – talking saves lives,” says Matt.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
We Are What We Overcome at the Sitwell Arms, Horsley Woodhouse, DE7 6BN
Sunday 24th July 2022 – doors open at 6pm, show starts 7pm, time for chat from 8pm
Tickets: https://www.mattmcguinness.co.uk/tickets
Age 12+ Contains distressing themes: suicide, depression, death or dying, mental illness
Preview Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TLR1hRDxII
ABOUT
We Are What We Overcome is Matt McGuinness’s body of work towards his own mental health happiness and desire to share his experiences to help others, especially men. Comprising a Live Show, Podcast, Album, and Book, and supported by Arts Council England, the full band Matt McGuinness and the MLC start a UK-wide tour in February 2023. Proud to work with and support the Samaritans wearewhatweovercome.co.uk
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