On the 5th of February 2023 local musicians and Durham University students will stand united against suicide at the ‘Never Give Up’ concert.
‘Never Give Up’ will bring together a fantastic showcase of talent to raise awareness of suicide in an emotional and powerful show, hosted in the beautiful Assembly Rooms Theatre in Durham.
The line-up includes award winning musicians Bridie Jackson, Steve Pledger, and Simon Wood, spoken word artist Beano, Durham University’s Gospel Choir, Full Score Barbershop Choir, Foot Notes A Capella, The Fellows and the DU Brass Band.
The union between Music Durham and local mental health charity RTProjects is a testament to the power of music and what can be achieved when we work together. On stage alongside professional musicians will be performers with lived experience of suicidal thoughts: people who have used music to face severe emotional challenges. living proof that music can save lives.
The show will be hosted by Beano, co-founder of RTProjects, who understands first hand what it feels like to battle with suicidal thoughts and is passionate about helping those facing similar experiences. County Durham’s suicide rate is 50% higher than the national average.
Beano says “There is a second epidemic in Durham. It’s suicide, one of the biggest killers in our county and no one seems to be talking about it. We need to talk about suicide, as a nation, as a society, as a friend”.
The show is an overwhelmingly positive night, with plenty of laughter interwoven with Beano’s powerful and inspirational words raising awareness of suicide and what we can all do to save people lives.
The audience will play their part by showing their support for this critical issue while raising precious funds for RTProjects lifesaving work.
The show includes a live performance of the suicide prevention song ‘Never Give Up’ song by Beano & Steve Pledger which gave birth to this campaign. It will reach a moving climax with Durham student singers joining forces on stage with RTProjects to perform ‘Breathing’ – an original piece of music written by Beano and RTProjects members.
“Never Give Up is an emotional rollercoaster. I cried and laughed in equal measure but I left with hope in my heart”.
For those who can’t be at the event, the show is being livestreamed. Tickets can be obtained from EventBrite with all donations going to RTProjects.
Event Details:
Venue: The Assembly Rooms Theatre, Durham
Date: 5th February 2023
Time: 7.00pm
Tickets: £10 from The Assembly Rooms Theatre: https://www.theassemblyroomstheatre.org/whats-on/