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University lecturer brings award-winning Channel 4 film to the stage

​University of Gloucestershire Film Production lecturer Lizzie Minnion will direct a brand new theatrical adaptation of Channel 4’s award-winning documentary, ‘The Stranger on the Bridge’.

The play charts the real life journey of Jonny Benjamin, searching for a passer by who saved his life on Waterloo Bridge and looks at the stigma attached to suicide. The production is also cast and crewed exclusively by people with experience of mental health.  

Lizzie, who also works at Postcard Productions, the company behind the original film has a passion for storytelling and a strong track record in independent film. She edited the award winning feature length documentary The Ballad of Vicki and Jake and its sequel Jake Not Finished Yet and won an RTS for her film Looking for Diana.

 

University of Gloucestershire Film Production lecturer, Lizzie Minnion, said:

“The play is very different from the film – although it champions the same message. We want this play to remind our audiences that if you’re struggling there’s no shame in it and the importance of sharing how you’re feeling and asking for help”

 

Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4, Fatima Salaria, said: “It is incredible to see the wide ranging impact that this film has had on the public narrative around Mental Health. It has been fascinating to watch this story develop and see Postcard Productions take such varied and exciting new endeavours from a traditional Television format.”

 

This adaptation will be touring theatres and community venues across the South West in Spring 2019, including the Salisbury Playhouse from the 2 – 4 May and the Tobacco Factory, Bristol 14 – 18 May for Mental Health Awareness Week.

 

For further details and to book tickets, visit Tobacco Factory Theatres.