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Press Releases

Full press releases for use by publications and media outlets.

Contact outreach@mattmcguinness.co.uk for interviews.

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Daughter of Samaritans Founder, Felicity Varah Harding OBE, to Attend Greenwich Theatre for Uplifting Mental Health Production

 

Honorary President of Samaritans to Attend Inspirational Performance by Matt McGuinness, Showcasing the Power of Music and Stories in Addressing Mental Health Challenges

 

London — September 15th, 2023 — Felicity Varah Harding OBE, distinguished daughter of Samaritans founder Chad Varah and esteemed Honorary President of Samaritans, is set to make a special appearance at the Greenwich Theatre on October 5th, 2023. She will be attending We Are What We Overcome, a groundbreaking production that delves into the complexities of mental health through captivating stories and songs.

 

Felicity Varah Harding's presence will be a testament to her enduring commitment to mental health awareness and support. As part of this event, she will extend her gratitude to the show's visionary creator, Matt McGuinness. Recognised for his collaborative efforts with the suicide prevention charity, McGuinness has been actively involving local branches as a source of support at each venue on his impactful UK tour to fundraise and offer emotional support.

 

We Are What We Overcome is an intimate expression of Matt McGuinness's personal journey from the brink of despair to rediscovering hope and purpose. The show broaches themes such as depression, grief, parenthood, football, and more.

 

“Bearing your soul on stage really breaks down barriers and sparks vital conversations,” says Matt McGuinness. “I speak directly to the audience about my mental health which invokes an atmosphere of openness and that comes with responsibility. The post-show conversations are invaluable, making the support from Samaritans volunteers a natural fit. This is what it is all about – listening saves lives.”

 

Felicity Varah Harding OBE, Honorary President of Samaritans, says “Matt includes the Samaritans wherever he performs, which is fantastic. Having our volunteers present at these venues gives us a wonderful opportunity to support the mental health of the audience as well as raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.”

 

Scheduled for three consecutive nights from the 5th to the 7th of October 2023, We Are What We Overcome will grace the Greenwich Theatre stage with Samaritans support provided by Lewisham, Greenwich, and Southwark branch. Proceeds from the performance on October 5th will be generously donated to Samaritans, reinforcing their shared mission. This unique show explores Matt's individual experiences, punctuated by heartfelt stories and original music that evolves from soulful acapella to rousing rock 'n' roll. Through this artistic canvas, McGuinness strives to inspire others to embrace vulnerability and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health.

 

Event Details:

 

ENDS

 

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. Comprising four distinct elements there is something for everyone: Live Show, Podcast, Album, Book. Join us as we unite in dialogue and music to conquer the challenges of mental health. Together, we are what we overcome. Supported by Arts Council England. Proud to work with Samaritans. 

http://www.wearewhatweovercome.co.uk  

 

About Samaritans

 

  • Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org   

 

  • Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help. 

 

  • Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and 23,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us. 

 

  • You can follow Samaritans on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

 

For We Are What We Overcome

outreach@mattmcguinness.co.uk

 

For Samaritans

press@samaritans.org

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The Horton marks World Mental Health Day 2023 with a musical mental health show


On Tuesday 10th October 2023 The Horton Arts Centre will be marking World Mental Health Day with a show that takes a journey into mental health through songs and stories. 


Epsom - August 16th 2023 - Combining upbeat original acoustic music with thought provoking comedy and spoken word, We Are What We Overcome is the story of musician Matt McGuinness’s journey to good mental health via a very bad idea. The show explores what led up to Matt’s breakdown and, using music, comedy, and stories, provides a backdrop of his own experiences to encourage others to open up and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.


Matt weaves together honest and heartfelt tales with passionate music, in this story of getting back from the brink of suicide. Nothing is left to implication or to whisper. We Are What We Overcome covers depression, grief, parenting,
and of course, football. From breakdown to talking publicly about his feelings for the first time at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018, Matt invokes a lasting atmosphere of openness and understanding in audiences.


Matt McGuinness says “We feel privileged to bring our show to a place that was well known for providing solace for people experiencing mental distress. We are passionate about combining mental health and music, so it is fitting that it was also a music therapy centre. The Horton will be a special place to play on World Mental Health Day.”


The multi-talented band, the MLC (Mid-Life Crisis), provides a fantastic soundtrack to the show. Moving between poignant a cappella and upbeat rock n roll with a sound and style reminiscent of Richard Hawley and Elbow.


“Soulful, upbeat, optimistic” Fringe Review
“Charm, humility, wit, and a gifted songwriter” The Scotsman
Fighting for good mental health one show at a time, We Are What We Overcome reminds you that the phrase “I'm fine” is just hiding the truth – always ask twice.


Supported by Arts Council England. Proud to work with Samaritans.

 

Event Details:

We Are What We Overcome
Tuesday 10th October, 8pm
Tickets £10* - £20*
The Horton Arts Centre, Epsom 
https://thehortonepsom.org/events/we-are-what-we-overcome/

ENDS

Notes to Editors:


The Horton Arts Centre, Epsom


A magnificent destination for arts, heritage and events, created within an iconic and historically significant Grade II-listed chapel space. The Horton is an extraordinary arts and heritage destination with a vision to use creativity and
social activities to enrich the community and generate opportunities. The sympathetic architectural conversion of The Horton enhances the stunning historic features of the building whilst delivering excellent contemporary facilities and welcoming spaces for performances, events, receptions, conferences, workshops or simply a coffee with friends.


From the fanfare of its opening in 1901 to final closure in the 1990s, the former Horton Chapel’s role was to provide solace for people experiencing mental distress, as a place of worship, and from 1961 also as a pioneering
music therapy centre. It was the chapel to Horton Hospital – one of five mental hospital that formed Epsom Hospital Cluster. Horton was also a war hospital during the first and second world wars and the chapel contains important memorials. Over the decades it has been visited by every generation of the royal family, along with famous musicians both as performers and patients.


The charity Horton Chapel Arts & Heritage Society was set up in 2016 by Epsom residents determined to see Horton Chapel saved from dereliction (and from developers) and brought back to life as a valuable social and cultural
asset for the whole community. Renovation work began on-site in 2018, funded primarily by a National Lottery
Heritage Fund enterprise grant and ‘section 106’ funds contributed by developers of Epsom’s former psychiatric hospital sites. Restored original heritage features include decorative organ pipes, encaustic patterned tiled floor, high barrel-vaulted ceilings supported by Doric columns, rows of arched windows and a memorial torch that was erected 100 years ago, that has been re-connected to the power and lit for the first time in living memory.

 

Please tag The Horton Epsom in social posts using @thehortonepsom 

For press enquiries please contact marketing@thehortonepsom.org

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. Comprising four distinct elements there is something for everyone: Live Show, Podcast, Album, Book. Join us as we unite in dialogue and music to conquer the challenges of mental health. Together, we are what we overcome. Supported by Arts Council England. Proud to work with Samaritans. 

http://www.wearewhatweovercome.co.uk  

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