New Derry play opens honest conversation about suicide and grief

Pictured above (left to right) at the New Gate Arts & Culture Centre: Elga Logue, Samaritans, Leanne Doherty, HURT NI, Ciara Ferguson MLA, Jonathan Burgess, Forever & Ever writer and producer, Gary Middleton MLA, Kyle Thompson, North West Cultural Partnership, Maureen Fox, Urban Villages.

A powerful new theatre production will tour Northern Ireland this autumn, tackling the often-unspoken themes of suicide, grief, and mental health in a reflective and emotionally sensitive way. Forever & Ever, written and produced by Jonathan Burgess, seeks to engage entire communities and create space for meaningful, honest conversation.

Set in a mortuary, the one-act drama centres on a final, imagined conversation between a woman and a young man who has taken his own life. Whilst the play addresses themes related to suicide and self-harm, organisers have confirmed that it contains no graphic scenes or inappropriate language.

Post-show learning resources will also be available to help schools and youth audiences reflect on the themes safely and constructively.

The production, which will be free to attend, is set to begin at New Gate Arts & Culture Centre, Derry on September 23 and 24, before moving to The Marketplace Theatre, Armagh (October 1), Strule Arts Centre, Omagh (October 2), Roe Valley Arts Centre October 3), and The Alley Theatre, Strabane (October 6 and 7).

The play’s creator, Mr Burgess, explained: “In writing Forever & Ever, I aimed to create a much-needed space for conversations often left unsaid, drawing from my own understanding of the grief and confusion that can accompany profound loss.

“The play doesn't seek to explain suicide, but rather to gently explore its impact on those left behind and the unspoken regrets of a life cut short. It’s a quiet, hopeful piece about finding a way to hold on to love and memory, even in the face of immense sorrow.”

Commissioned by the North West Cultural Partnership and funded by The Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative, Forever & Ever is a co-production between Blue Eagle Productions and New Gate Arts & Culture Centre. The play was also developed with support and input of additional partners, including HURT NI and Samaritans.

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Kyle Thompson, North West Cultural Partnership, said: “This is exactly the kind of meaningful, community-driven work we exist to support. Forever & Ever brings together theatre, emotional wellbeing and education in a way that’s accessible and deeply needed.”

Leanne Doherty, Business Development and Social Enterprise Manager, HURT NI, added: “The play reflects the reality that so many families in our communities face. Its emotional honesty aligns with our belief that healing starts with dialogue.”

Advised for audiences aged 16 and over, booking information for Forever & Ever will be available soon.