Dear Eliza is a one-woman play investigating the deterioration of a friendship under the strain of mental illness. In a media culture that either villainises or victimises the mentally ill, Dear Eliza navigates the grey area with guts and defiance. Playful, bold, cynical, and admirably candid, this play is very much about confronting unexpressed emotions within relationships and saying out loud what youd rather keep in your head. It weaponises a been there, done that attitude to masterfully balance heartbreak with humour, creating a truly honest tribute to the reality of life as a mentally ill person.Written and performed by Barbara Diesel, and directed by Helen Parry, Dear Eliza comes to the Brighton Fringe Festival following a successful short tour of the UK. Shortlisted for the Best Newcomer award at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in 2023, this show promises to make you laugh, then cry, and then laugh again.The production is proud to also be raising money for the mental health charity, Mind.

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You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

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Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
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