For shows highlighting mental health issues

 A new award has been launched for the Edinburgh Fringe show that most successfully explores the subject of mental health. 

The accolade is being organised by the Mental Health Foundation with the backing of the Tron Theatre in Glasgow and the Scotsman newspaper. 

Shows from all categories in the Fringe programme will be eligible. 

Andrew Eaton-Lewis from the charity said: ‘Mental health has been a prominent theme at the Edinburgh Fringe for the past couple of years, thanks to memorable and acclaimed shows like Bryony Kimmings’ Fake It Til You Make It, Felicity Ward’s 50% More Likely To Die and Richard Gadd’s Monkey See Monkey Do. (pictured)

‘We hope this award will encourage artists of all kinds to continue to make this kind of work, which is really important in opening up conversations about what can be very difficult and personal subjects, and which can often have a transformative effect on public attitudes towards mental health.’

The winner of the Mental Health Fringe Award will be announced at the Scotsman Fringe Awards on Friday August 25.

There is no cash reward but the winning show will be invited to take part in the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival in spring next year.

 Eaton-Lewis added: ‘We have already identified a list of shows at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe that explicitly address mental health, but it will also be fascinating to see how the subject comes up in other shows across the festival, given the anxious times that we are living in.’

Fringe companies who think their show should be considered for the award should contact Andrew Eaton-Lewis at aeaton-lewis@mentalhealth.org.uk

Published: 22 Jun 2017