Silent Approach

Running time: 1 hours 40 minutes

Age Guidance: 15+

‘Silent Approach’
written by Caroline Lamb / directed by Helen Parry

A one-act play based on real events, with post-show discussion.

When the treatment received in a secure unit would be considered assault in the outside world, can we really call it care?

In 2007, Rebecca House was a serving police officer with the Lancashire Constabulary. In the midst of a severe mental health breakdown, during which she tried to end her own life, she was arrested by her own colleagues in her own home.

She was then sectioned under The Mental Health Act with her parents tirelessly campaigning for her release.

Silent Approach, based on Rebecca’s book, Police To Paranoia, is the theatrical re-telling of her arrest, detainment, and her experiences at the hands of the professionals whose actions and decisions were to shape her future life and health

Post-performance discussion
Through her Lancashire-based organisation S.I.S. Strength In Struggles, Rebecca works tirelessly to provide fee-free alternative therapies to those struggling with their mental health. She will join us in the auditorium after the performance to answer your questions about her experience and discuss her organisation.

Content warning: Mental health struggles (paranoia, psychosis, depression), ableism, descriptions of death, suicide, depictions of violence, strong language

What People Had to Say About Silent Approach

Silent Approach” lifts the lid on the hidden fragility of mental health, not just in policing, but across all professions where strength is expected and vulnerability is silenced. It exposes the cracks in our systems, the stigma that still surrounds seeking help, and the devastating consequences of ignoring trauma until it consumes us.
Tonight was a stark reminder that even those who hold the line for others are still human, and that mental health support must be more than a tick-box or a crisis response. It must be compassionate, consistent, and courageous.
We need more open conversations like this, more honesty, more healing.

What an emotional play this was, it felt like I’d opened the book and it jumped out, straight onto the stage.

College are always to scared to talk about mental health and its a really taboo subject it was nice to be able to talk freely about it and hopefully this will get into schools and college so it wont be a taboo subject anymore

I wish schools would be more supportive, i got told i couldn’t be a part of the emergency services because I had a panic attack but now i am going to try to build up and pursue my dream again to prove the teachers wrong

These issues aren’t spoken about enough and this was eye opening, hopefully we can see it again to make more people aware

I loved how it was based on facts because when you see stuff like that on TV it is really un realistic but this felt right and the ac6tors where so good at portraying the issues while making sure they were being sensitive.

I really enjoyed the show, i like the way that the show brought awareness to a topic that school and college don’t talk about

Post discussion at the opening night with former Premier footballer / mental helath advocate Clarke Carlisle “

The Tour of Silent Approach was an overwhelming success across all venues in Manchester, Lancashire and London. Over the course of three weeks, we brought this impactful production to six locations, presenting a total of nine shows. Each venue provided a unique experience, enriched by the powerful Q&A sessions following each performance. These discussions were deeply engaging for the audience and featured a variety of guests, including Lancashire Mind, Mental Health professionals from psychiatric wards, and founders from lived experience organisations.

The feedback we received has been remarkable, with many attendees sharing how the play resonated with them on a personal level. It not only provided education but also instilled hope regarding recovery, which is the core message of the production. Audience members expressed that the Q&A sessions created a safe environment for them to share their own mental health journeys.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Silent Approach team, everyone who contributed to our crowdfunding campaign, the audience members who attended our shows, and our generous sponsors. This tour has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I will cherish it forever. Stay tuned for future tours of Silent Approach!”