EAT ME to receive Edinburgh Festival premiere

Ahead of Eating Disorder Day on 2 June, an ambitious fundraising initiative has now been launched to help raise money for a 4-week season at the acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival of EAT ME, a brand-new play written by Surrey-born writer Suzanna Walters which aims to take on the eating disorder Anorexia.

EAT ME, directed by Birmingham-born actress, writer and director Sally McCormack, is a thought provoking, often chilling and dramatic exploration of the sensitive subject of eating disorders based on real-life experiences.

Produced by Surrey-based Matrix Theatre Company, this innovative piece is a compelling insight into the cruel and prevalent eating disorder. It is told through the eyes of three characters as audiences hear their stories and watch them fight to regain control of their lives.  As their stories weave between present and past, EAT ME will shed light on Anorexia’s iron grip whilst bringing a message of hope for recovery.

Writer Suzanna Walters said “Everything that happens in the play to either Libby, Kate or Jonathan happened to me or to someone I know. These stories are based on true-life events; they are real. I want to share these to help others gain an understanding of the way Anorexia can take control of a person’s life.”

Matrix Theatre Company, who will be taking EAT ME to Edinburgh in August, produces plays on a variety of mental health subjects including early psychosis, schizophrenia and eating disorders. They regularly perform in Secondary Schools and provide follow-up support supplied by mental health teams. The company have also supplied workshops on bullying, stress and cyber bullying.

Writer Suzanna Walters said “Everything that happens in the play to either Libby, Kate or Jonathan happened to me or to someone I know. These stories are based on true-life events; they are real. I want to share these to help others gain an understanding of the way Anorexia can take control of a person’s life.”
Matrix Theatre Company, who will be taking EAT ME to Edinburgh in August, produces plays on a variety of mental health subjects including early psychosis, schizophrenia and eating disorders. They regularly perform in Secondary Schools and provide follow-up support supplied by mental health teams. The company have also supplied workshops on bullying, stress and cyber bullying.

Sally McCormack, EAT ME Director from Matrix Theatre Company said “I know from my previous experience that audiences are hungry for a truthful but engaging insight into the conditions that can face any one of us. Anorexia really doesn’t seem to distinguish gender, education or up-bringing. In giving Anorexia a voice of its own, writer Suzanna Walters has so brilliantly allowed us to see it wheedling its way into our lives but also to see how it can be defeated.”

This fundraising initiative provides a unique opportunity for individuals and businesses to get involved and support the arts whilst bringing hope to people with Anorexia.
Since the launch earlier today a total of £1885.00 (30 April) of the £25,000 target has already been donated. Monies raised will go towards a signer for access performances, the cost of costumes, sets, venue hire and travel costs amongst others.

Those wishing to donate have the chance to be mentioned in the company blog, meet and greet the cast, receive tickets to the production with signed photos or attend an exclusive meet and greet with the writer and director.

For further information and to make a donation, however small, please go to
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/eatmetheplay #TakingOnAnorexia

The season at Edinburgh will also help to provide a platform to raise funds for BEAT a national charity that supports people of all ages and backgrounds with eating disorders. 5% of JustGiving money raised will be donated to the charity.

EAT ME receives its Edinburgh Festival premiere at C venues Aquila Studio, Roman Eagle Lodge, Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW on Thursday 2 August until Monday 27