A hip hop theatre company is raising awareness about mental health problems in men and boys through their show Father Figurine, which is coming to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre in March as part of a national tour.

Oxford-based company Body Politic will bring the emotionally moving and brave story about a turbulent father/son relationship to the theatre’s McCarthy auditorium on Friday 15 March.

Will they be able to share their emotions with each other? Or will they fall into the statistic of nearly half of men believing they can’t express their feelings?

Figures show that 75% of mental illnesses start before a child reaches their 18thbirthday, while 50% of mental health problems in adults begin before the age of 15.  Father Figurine combines poignant spoken word poetry and hop hop dance with the drive to bring these figures to light and empower men and boys.

Directed by Emma-Jane Morbey, Father Figurine is performed by Isaac Ouro-Gnao and Tyrone Isaac-Stuart. Isaac Ouro-Gnao is also the writer and movement director, and Tyrone Isaac-Stuart the composer. Choreography is by Derek Mok and Stephen Brown, and lighting design by Damian Robertson.

Emma-Jane says: “We’re very excited to be embarking on our first national tour. This is a work we’re immensely proud to be sharing with new audiences. We have an exceptionally strong cast and team raring to go!”

Father Figurine can be seen in the Round/McCarthy at the SJT at 7.45pm on Friday 15 March. Tickets are priced from £10, and can be booked at the box office on 01723 370541 or via the website: www.sjt.uk.com