Pantomime performance puts support for those overcoming addiction centre stage

A Christmas pantomime celebrating the success of a recovery group for people overcoming addiction will take to the stage in Glasgow next month.

The show ‘Wizard of Booze’ is the latest performance by people taking part in the charity Creative Change Collective’s anonymous drama programme. It will take place at Oran Mor on Wednesday, December 13 and is the culmination of a 16-week block of drama therapy-type sessions developed to support people who are recovering from addiction.

Charity Creative Change Collective uses an ‘anonymous drama’ model to support people in recovery, with programmes currently running across Scotland which are open to anyone in community-based or residential recovery. The unique anonymous model allows people to express themselves fully in a safe environment and has been found to be less emotionally charged and triggering.

Creative Change Collective project director Mr MacNicol lost his own brother Jason, 30, to a heroin overdose, which he has described as a ‘motivating factor’ in his work. The charity uses film and theatre-type activities to help participants in the charity’s programmes achieve more positive outcomes. Creative Change Collective hopes to continue to extend the reach of the programme across the UK. Tickets cost £5 and are available to buy here.

Janice, one of the group participants, said:

“I love the sessions so much. I am so excited for the performance. The chance to mix and socialise with all these great people and be part of the cast. You learn so much. I go home happy.

“I’m really enjoying myself and excitement is radiating through all of us.

“It’s painful to recover on your own but by joining this group I feel part of the world again.”

Mark MacNicol, Creative Change Collective project director, said:

“Christmas can be a difficult time for people in recovery. As well as all of the parties and temptations, many people in our groups are estranged from their families and Christmas can be a time when loneliness and isolation are even more of a challenge.

“I like to describe the anonymous drama model as being like drama therapy for people who usually have no interest in drama or therapy. It is an innovative and creative way to support people in recovery, help build confidence and community connections and find a way to express and talk about their feelings and experiences.

“The main aim of our work is to support people in recovery and help with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

“In Scotland, programmes are now operating across four local authority areas thanks to funding from the Scottish Government via the Corra Foundation, and we hope the success to date will lead to a conversation about a national rollout.”