Silent Approach is a one-act play based on Rebecca J House’s book ‘Police to Paranoia’.
It explores her lived experience of a prescribed drug-induced psychotic episode and subsequent detention under the Mental Health Act.
The play, written by Caroline Lamb, opens at the New Adelphi Theatre in Salford on Thursday, September 25, before touring venues across Lancashire.
Caroline Lamb, playwright, said: “It was an honour to be asked to adapt Rebecca’s book, Police to Paranoia.
“As a society, it is crucial that we begin to rethink our treatment of those in mental health crisis – and this project offers a wonderful opportunity to communicate that urgency and the reasons behind it.
“I was keen for the play to show a balanced view of the services involved: how certain responses can exacerbate a person’s condition, while others can set them on the road to recovery.”
The story centres on B, a police officer detained by her own colleagues and sectioned for 28 days.
It sheds light on the realities of psychiatric care, including mistrust between patients and staff, and the abuse that can occur in such settings.
Ms House, who wrote the book after her own experience 18 years ago, said she hoped sharing her story would help others feel less alone.
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She later founded S.I.S. Strength in Struggles, a mental health organisation offering coaching, counselling, support groups, and free alternative therapies.
Silent Approach was developed following the suggestion that her story could reach wider audiences through theatre.
The cast includes Joyce Branagh, Marcella Hazell and Elka Lee-Green.
Following the Salford debut, the play will travel to the Dukes Theatre in Lancaster on September 26 and 27, Central Library in Blackburn on October 1 and 2, and the Oak Theatre in Scarisbrick on October 4.