Former Lancashire police officer’s story of psychosis, arrest and detainment under section, is told on stage in the new play SILENT APPROACH

How one woman navigated her way back from the trauma of psychosis and arrest to a return to work as a serving police officer.

Theatre Tour – Lancashire & London

S.I.S. Productions, in association with Dangerous to Know, presents

SILENT APPROACH

Silent Approach is a brand new one-act play based on the book Police to Paranoia* by Rebecca J House. Debuting at the New Adelphi Theatre, Salford; touring selected theatres in Lancashire and on to Etcetera Theatre, London.

Overall dates: 25^th September to 11^th October 2025

Press Night: New Adelphi Theatre, Salford. 25^th Sept

Summary.

Having suffered a ‘prescribed drug induced psychotic episode’ and arrest at the hands of her own colleagues, B, a serving police officer is sectioned under the Mental Health Act. For the next 28 days she will juggle vigilance, resistance and compliance as she attempts recovery in an environment where she is threatened physically by fellow patients and violently force-fed medication she knows will inhibit her ability to protect herself.

The play addresses the emotional and physical abuse suffered by patients and the pervasive mistrust between patients and staff in psychiatric settings, but ultimately is a heartening narrative designed to promote awareness around everyday mental health.

Why a play?

Rebecca faced paranoia and mistreatment whilst detained in a psychiatric unit 18 years ago, so has strong opinions around the subject of mental health. She wrote and self-published her book Police to Paranoia because she knew it would help others to hear her story, as she has been helped over the years since her detainment. This was followed by S.I.S. Strength in Struggles – Rebecca’s mental health organisation which exists to provide coaching, counselling and support groups as well as fee free alternative therapies to those struggling with their mental health. So, when asked if she would be interested in having her story dramatised for the theatre, she embraced the opportunity.

“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.” Caroline Lamb, playwright.

Caroline Lamb, who has her own award-winning theatre company Dangerous to Know, has collaborated on several projects with Manchester-based director Helen Parry, who will also be directing Silent Approach.

Cast: Joyce Branagh, Marcella Hazell, Elka Lee-Green

Post-show Discussions and Guest Appearance at Press Night

Almost every performance will be followed by an opportunity to engage directly with Rebecca and the Silent Approach company about their experiences and considerations in the lead up to the tour, in a post-show Q&A. However, after the first performance at the New Adelphi Theatre, Salford, which is also Press Night, this will take the form of an open dialogue between Rebecca and the former Premier League football player and now renowned mental health speaker and advocate, Clarke Carlisle. Together they will navigate the nuances of mental health, foster understanding, and create a safe space for shared experiences.

Clarke is a renowned mental health speaker and advocate, leveraging his experiences as a former professional footballer and his journey with mental health to break down stigma and offer hope to others. Known for his articulate delivery and openness, Clarke addresses his battles with depression, addiction, and multiple suicide attempts, connecting deeply with audiences. He has worked extensively in broadcasting, appearing as a pundit and commentator for ITV, Absolute Radio, and BT Sport, and he is a well-recognised face in British media. His authenticity and dedication to mental health have solidified his role as an influential speaker in the mental health sector.

Tour Dates and Ticket Info

Linktree – https://linktr.ee/silent.approach2025 

*Police to Paranoia is the true account of Rebecca’s mental health breakdown and subsequent self-guided recovery.