A new play placing the spotlight on mental health is being brought to the theatre by a 16-year-old aspiring director and actor from County Durham.

Ambitious theatre school student, Dan Burlison, who lives in Chester-le-Street, is set to become one the youngest directors to stage a play for the paying public.

Dan is directing and producing a play called Snakes and Ladders which was penned by prolific local playwright, Tom Casling.

The show has been entirely curated by the teenager, from sourcing the theatre, to recruiting the cast, directing, producing and promoting.

Snakes and Ladders is an emotive one-act play which explores the mental health challenges faced by vulnerable young people, including the often inadequate responses from our healthcare system.

Dan, who attends Musical Theatre Studio in Sunderland and has a dream of performing on stage in the West End and then becoming a theatre director, said: “I worked as a dancer in one of Tom’s plays and asked him if I could have a go at helping him bring another play to the stage and he sent me two scripts.

"Snakes and Ladders really stood out.

"It’s a brilliant play that tackled a serious subject but is also very entertaining, uplifting and inspires hope.

“The play gives an important voice for mental health awareness. It creates awareness that help is available and encourages people to seek support and not face their struggles alone."

It tells the story of 17-year-old Cara West who is struggling mentally and feels isolated and frustrated. 

Through a supportive relationship with psychologist Simon Stephens, the play looks at the complexities of therapy and the impact that a compassionate listener can have on someone who feels unheard.

Their connection evolves over shared vulnerabilities and highlights the importance of human connection in healing.

It will appear at the Laurels theatre in Whitley Bay on October 20 at 3pm and 7pm.

Tickets are £8 with 20 per cent of each ticket and all profit from programme and merchandise sales going to the County Durham charity If You Care Share, which supports families affected by suicide.

The cast of nine are a mix of professional and amateur actors, aged between 13 and 65, who are all giving up their time for free.

The Laurels theatre is also providing the venue free-of-charge.

The play is being sponsored by The Clifton Café in South Shields, The Dancers Pointe in North Tyneside, JJD Roofing in Blyth and Optimum Flooring Solutions in North Tyneside.

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The lead role of Cara West is played by Annie Edwards and young Cara is played by Chloe Young. Steven Udale plays Simon Stevens, Amy West is played by Molly Hall.

The other actors are Janet Brown, Julie Barton, Dawn Wolfe, David Patrick and Lynne Patrick.

Dan said: "I want to thank everyone who is supporting me to put on this play. It’s been an incredible experience so far and I’ve learnt so much.”

Tickets are available here