Professional Theatre Directing Services by Peter Dewar

"Real Voices, Lasting Impact: How Matt is Changing Lives"

This section highlights Matt's genuine emotional, educational, and psychological impact on audiences. Through real testimonials from educators, mental health professionals, and community members, it demonstrates how the play goes beyond performance—it sparks critical conversations, encourages action, and provides a vital bridge between awareness and support.

🔹 Authenticity & Emotional Depth: These are reviews and lived experiences. The play has touched people deeply, inspiring them to share, seek help, and break the silence surrounding mental health.

🔹 Education & Awareness: Teachers and educators recognise that Matt reaches students in ways traditional lessons cannot, making mental health a relatable and engaging discussion rather than a theoretical topic.

🔹 Mental Health Validation & Support: Therapists and mental health professionals acknowledge the power of theatre in helping individuals articulate struggles they previously couldn't express, demonstrating its value as a therapeutic tool.

🔹 Community Impact & Action: Social workers and community leaders see how Matt doesn’t just raise awareness—it motivates action. Attendees leave the performance not just moved but empowered to reach out, check in on loved ones, and engage with support services.

Why This Matters: These testimonials provide concrete evidence that Matt is not just a production but a lifeline, conversation starter, and powerful force for change. Matt's impact becomes undeniable through these voices, reinforcing its necessity as a funded project that must reach more audiences.

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"This production is one of the most effective tools I’ve seen for encouraging people to speak about mental health. The combination of storytelling and lived experience makes it profoundly relatable. Several audience members reached out for support afterward, proving how vital this work is."

— Dr Jon Wilson, Clinical Psychologist, NHS Mental Health Services

"The audience’s response was overwhelming. People were crying, nodding in agreement, and staying behind to share their stories. The fact that theatre can create that level of emotional connection speaks volumes about the power of this production."

— Deputy Business Support Manager for Acute Services at Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT)

"I have never seen a performance resonate so deeply with students. The storytelling was raw, powerful, and incredibly necessary. It was a safe space for young people to reflect on their own experiences and break the stigma surrounding mental health."

- Dean Rosembert, Principal, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy

"As a therapist, I often work with individuals who struggle to articulate their experiences with depression. This play brought those emotions to life in a way that words often can’t. It’s an incredible resource for breaking down stigma and encouraging open, honest discussions."

— Jarin Alam, Research Assistant Psychologist, NSFT

"During one performance, as Matt’s story reached its most harrowing moment, the theatre was completely silent—except for the sound of quiet sobs. Some audience members later shared how they saw themselves in Matt’s journey, and for the first time, felt ready to seek help."

Audience Member- Felicidade Belo Gates

"We constantly seek ways to bridge the gap between mental health awareness and action. Matt does this beautifully—it doesn’t just educate, it validates emotions, making people feel seen and understood. I strongly recommend it as a resource for schools, workplaces, and community groups."

- Corinna Hackmann, Clinical Psychologist/Adult Services Research Development Lead

"This play made me realise I wasn’t alone. It was like seeing my struggles reflected on stage. I left feeling a sense of hope I hadn’t felt in a long time."

Audience Member- Ash Watson

"My college students were completely engaged. The play opened up conversations we’d never had before about mental health and resilience. One student even shared that they recognised signs of depression in a friend and felt confident enough to reach out for help. That’s the kind of impact no textbook can provide."

— East Coast College Teacher, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Recent Project – "Matt" by Reflect Productions GY

"Matt", written and directed by Peter Dewar, Reflect Productions GY, is a powerful piece of storytelling theatre developed with the support of Arts Council England funding.

This Research and Development (R&D) project took place at St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth, incorporating real-life accounts from the people of Great Yarmouth to create an authentic and emotionally resonant performance. As part of the R&D process, a series of workshops were conducted to engage local communities, gather stories, and explore themes of mental health, resilience, and recovery. These workshops not only informed the script but also allowed participants to contribute to the creative process, ensuring the final production was deeply rooted in lived experiences.

Peter, drawing from his own experiences with mental health struggles, crafted this deeply personal yet universally relevant play. Premiered at St George’s Theatre in July 2024, Matt explores a man’s battle with depression, anxiety, and addiction, delving into themes of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of community support.

“The story not only mirrors my quest for healing but also examines the universal pursuit of hope in times of adversity,” said Dewar. “Sharing your mental health challenges can be very cathartic, and I hope that Matt will help others realize that it’s possible to overcome the battles they face.”

The production, supported by Reflect Productions GY, was pay-what-you-like, with all proceeds—an incredible £1,750—donated to Northgate Hospital, a place that played a crucial role in Peter’s recovery. The play featured a cast of five professional actors, all from Norfolk, and was directed by Dewar.

“It was an experience that gave me a much-needed sense of purpose and community. This evolved into a passion for stagecraft and ultimately led me to write and direct Matt,” said Dewar. “My own story is a testament to the power of the arts in fostering recovery and personal growth, and I hope the play will offer hope not only to people who are going through their struggles but also to the family and friends who are supporting them.”

“It’s not a sob story. It’s a piece of work through which I want to inspire and help people.”

Debbie Thompson, Theatre Director at St George’s, praised the project:
“This is an important play about a subject that is rarely portrayed on stage in such a raw and personal way. With problems surrounding mental health issues being discussed more openly than ever, I think the theatre world needs to play its part in reflecting those issues.”

The workshops conducted during the R&D phase were integral to the project’s success, allowing participants to shape the narrative while offering a platform for open discussions about mental health. These sessions provided valuable insights, which helped Peter refine the themes and structure of the play.

Beyond the performance, Peter and Reflect Productions GY have worked to build a supportive community around the play. He launched a Facebook group (www.facebook.com/groups/mattgy) as a safe space for people to share experiences, offer support, and foster well-being through mutual encouragement.

The project was developed in collaboration with St George’s Theatre, The Seagull Theatre in Lowestoft, Walk And Talk EA, Reprezent Project, Norfolk County Council, Community Access Trust, Time & Tide Museum, the Steam House Coffee, and many more.

St George’s Theatre to debut mental health-focused play

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Great Yarmouth playwright donates proceeds to hospital

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Four people holding a large donation check outside Northgate Hospital with a sign in the background.