Important information: We have taken the difficult decision to postpone the scheduled performances of this event. If you are an affected ticket holder we will be in touch soon. Please subscribe to our newsletter or check our social media for further updates. Find out more here.

Presented by Playing On
Directed by Jim Pope

NOMINATED! Best Director, Off West End Awards

Bringing to life Philip Osment’s final play, Can I Help You? is a magical realist examination of the role race and gender have to play in mental health and suicide.  

An off-duty English policeman is about to throw himself off Beachy Head when he is met by a woman carrying a laundry bag and a cat box. Over the course of one night, two disparate characters learn what it truly means to be touched by the magic of hope.  

Join Playing ON at one of the many wraparound workshops and events across the run. From pre and post show workshops to NHS night, from panel discussions to an evening celebration of Philip’s Osment’s work, there is an event for everyone. 

“Its impact on the audience was startling and, for me, it was a most convincing theatrical representation of life in prison.” – Sir Ian McKellen on INSIDE 

Additional Events

6th March
Post-show Q&A
Join members of the company for a post show panel hosted by the brilliant Terri Paddock (My Theatre Mates). You’ll have the chance to hear about the process and to ask any questions about the play or the company as Terri guides the discussion through the themes and issues raised in the play.

12th March
An evening in Celebration of Philip Osment
Our late co-founder and the writer of Can I Help You? Join us to remember our brilliant writer, director and friend and celebrate his wonderful final play. All who knew him or worked with Philip, however briefly, welcome.

18th March
Pre Show Workshop 5-6.30pm
Work with Playing ON practitioners to learn how theatre can be made in collaboration with diverse groups, using authentic experiences to create systems of empathy in which deep understanding is made possible. Learn how we facilitate a process of gathering real life experiences, from which we create imaginary worlds. Characters from these worlds are brought to life and generate both original theatre and deep empathic sharing in a fun, creative and engaging environment.

19th March
Captioned Performance
We are thrilled to be working with Stagetext to caption the performance for local D/deaf audiences.