In the Shadow of the Black Dog

Live at

Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre

Tue 25 Feb and Wed 26 Feb 2020

Closed

Recently single, the world uninspiring, a dead-end job and a weak relationship with his father, he relies on the moments of solace with his best friend. One day his best friend takes his own life, Alquist wonders how men text friends to say that they’re lonely...where men go to grieve?

Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre

Tue 25 Feb and Wed 26 Feb 2020

93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG, UK

1 hour

Tue and Wed at 19:45

For group bookings of 10 or more:

Submit a request online

Or call 020 7206 1174

The catalysts for writing IN THE SHADOW OF THE BLACK DOG are based on true events. My best friend died. Soon after, I became ill and was sitting in a hospital emergency room, alone and scared believing I wouldn’t have long to live. I felt unable to call anyone for support to be with me. Months later, I was chased down by two men on a moped, wielding knives, threatening to kill me and I narrowly escaped. After the experience of these events a thought has stayed with me I haven’t been able to shift: I don’t know if I can save myself, harbouring fears about being a man or not a good enough one.

This story is about confronting fear, embarrassment and pain, learning it doesn’t work if we keep avoiding the root causes and staying quiet. We can’t just put on a mask and convince ourselves everything will be OK. The way to break this cycle of hurt and suffering and be able to move on is to engage with others. Only then can a better life be possible. No longer trying to survive each day and starting to live.

The show is an honest, and important, contribution to the public discourse on male mental health. A brave exercise in self-exploration, and could prove the useful conversation starter it hopes to be.

- The Scottish Play

In The Shadow of The Black Dog is an intimate, challenging piece that is not afraid to ask the questions that are often quick to be avoided.

- Theatre Weekly

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What the critics say

With suicide being the biggest killer of men under 50, In The Shadow Of The Black Dog, is clearly an important show.

- Voice Mag

That pretty much was sixty minutes of perfection.

- BN1 Magazine

The whole show felt like an intimate chat with your best mate. At moments, you felt like laughing and crying at the same time. A thought-provoking and exciting piece of theatre.

- The Spy in the Stalls

Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre

93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG, UK

Wimbledon Rail, Tube (District Line & Tramlink Station). South Wimbledon Tube Station (Northern Line).

The Box Office is open for 30 minutes prior to the performance commencing. See 'What's On' section for performance times

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Membership Benefits - 25% off pre-show drinks (30mins prior)

Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre is our black box theatre with up to 66 seats, where amazing development work from new writers, comedians, directors and producers brings our former ballroom to life.

Home of the #FromTheFringe season in June and our autumn Premieres season of new writing.

See other shows at this venue

Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre

Tue 25 Feb and Wed 26 Feb 2020

93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG, UK

1 hour

Tue and Wed at 19:45

For group bookings of 10 or more:

Submit a request online

Or call 020 7206 1174

Join ATG+, the UK's best live entertainment membership

With an ATG+ membership, you can enjoy a host of exclusive benefits across 35+ ATG venues