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Tom Lynam on How To Stop Worrying and Love Yourself
As we head deeper into July, it means we’re even closer to this year’s Camden Fringe. With so much going on, it’s easy to miss shows that are only playing for one evening only. One of which is Tom Lynam‘s How To Stop Worrying and Love Yourself, a one act tragi-comedy about a man trying to come to terms with the loss of his brother.
Designed as a springboard for further discussion, as well as a way to reassure people who have experienced mental health issues that they are not alone, we thought we’d grab some time with Tom to find out a little more about it.
What should we know about How To Stop Worrying and Love Yourself then?
Well, it’s quite personal, in fact it was inspired by my own suicide attempt. It is a piece about finding closure, moving on, and never letting go of the idea that you can always hope for better.
You describe it as a tragi-comedy, do you feel laughter is important when tackling heavy themes?
Yes, well it is for me, anyway. I always feel a performer has a duty to entertain, and laughter can be a great way of sugaring a bitter-tasting pill. It can also, I feel, deepen someone’s understanding of their own suffering, giving respite amid pain. This helps stave off emotional exhaustion, which can make people want to switch off.
You want to use the show as a “springboard for further discussion”, was it always written for this purpose?
Yes. It was also written as an antidote to my first piece, “Rich Expensive Blonde”, which was quite violent. This felt like it came out of a deeper, more vulnerable place. I always write with a specific purpose in mind. It’s what helps me finish something!
And do you feel that, in general, we do still struggle to talk about our mental health in a way that could be productive?
Absolutely. Losing one’s mind is a terrifying prospect, and when people get scared, they have a tendency to panic. And panic rarely brings out the best in people. Anything which can help remove the stigma, the barriers around talking about mental health must, by necessity, be a good thing. Just by talking about it, we can help lessen the more life-threatening symptoms that bad mental health can cause.
You’re only doing one night at Camden Fringe, any particular reason for a single show as opposed to three or four as most shows will be doing there?
This is my Fringe debut, and I’m of the mind that I should take what I learn from it, and move forward. I’ll be back next year, with a few more dates!
You’re playing at The Hen and Chickens, which is a very intimate little space, does this help in drawing the audience in to your story?
I think it does. I always like performing in intimate spaces. It’s easier to pick up on the audience’s response, and to maintain that feeling of “give and take” between yourself and the people watching.
You promise song and dance routines? Are you going full Strictly Come Dancing on us?
Hahaha, I wish! Unfortunately, such illustrious skill is beyond me. The “song and dance” routines alluded to are more abstract. I would say more, but I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise…
What do you hope that an audience take away with them after seeing the show?
Well, I guess the best thing would be if someone who had struggled with their own mental health, or who had lost someone due to mental health issues, came up to me in the bar afterward and said “That was exactly how I felt. Thanks”. More generally, I just want to play a part in breaking down a few barriers on the subject.
And is this Camden Fringe date a springboard for the show as well for further development?
Yes! I am looking to perform it next year, as well as at other festivals!
Many thanks to Tom for finding time to chat to us. How To Stop Worrying and Love Yourself will play at The Hen and Chickens Theatre on 4 August, 6pm. Further information and tickets can be found here.
