A moving new production, After Sunday, currently showing at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre, is capturing hearts and headlines thanks to the powerful collaboration with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) staff and Experts by Experience (EbEs).
The play, which will soon transfer to London’s Bush Theatre, tells the story of three men in a secure hospital who find connection and hope through a Caribbean cooking group led by their Occupational Therapist.
The script was shaped with direct input from EbEs from the Trust’s Inpatient and FIRST community services, whose lived experiences brought authenticity, warmth and humanity to the characters. Their involvement ensured the play did not shy away from the challenges of secure care, while also highlighting the healing power of creativity, culture and shared experience.
Staff members including Katherine Allen, Mary Elliffe, Ellie Ashcroft and Nataalia Yasin played a central role in enabling this collaboration, supporting EbEs to share their stories with the production team.
One particularly memorable moment came when the creative team visited our Reaside Clinic, to hear firsthand accounts about the cultural significance of Caribbean food and its role in recovery.
Reflecting on emotional impact of the performance, lead for recovery and experience Katherine Allen, who has worked in mental health for over 30 years, said:
“This was a highlight of my career. Our EBE script consultants ensured an authentic telling of life in secure care, bringing humanity and warmth to the characters without flinching from the challenges.”
With live cooking on stage and post-show discussions, After Sunday offers a sensory and emotional journey that embodies the Trust’s commitment to co-production and recovery through creativity.
One of the EbE script consultants, Marcus, said:
‘I found the play very emotive, gripping, and real to my own experiences of mental health medium secure facilities.
“The positive energy, yet sadness in places, really hit home with the memories that it evoked within me. It has been a pleasure to be an integral part of After Sunday.”
Mary Elliffe, Secure Care Co-Production Lead, added:
“Our EBEs are amazing – we could see their direction and input in every scene. I think they’ll be called upon again for future productions.”
The play is on until Saturday 25 October. Tickets are available via the Belgrade Theatre with a discount code NHS10 for staff. Don’t miss the chance to experience this remarkable production before it moves to London.
Published: 20 October 2025
