A free theatre performance inspired by the new ‘Yes to Quit’ smoking campaign will be performed in Trinity Market and St Stephen’s on Friday April 11.
The campaign launched in Hull and other areas at the end of March, with TV, radio, transport and social media ads. It asks audiences ‘What will you miss?’ more than smoking, such as weddings, births and special time with loved ones. The question is a reality for many smokers, with two in three dying too soon of smoking-related conditions.
The concept has been transformed into a pop-up theatre performance by award-winning Hull theatre makers Silent Uproar, who aim to engage younger audiences and cover challenging and taboo topics. The show will be performed four times, twice at Trinity Market and twice at St Stephen’s, with case studies and content campaign content also scrolling on the shopping centre’s big screen throughout the day.
Matt Greensmith, Public Health Consultant at Hull City Council, said: “We’re really pleased Hull is hosting these performances. It will be an entertaining and challenging way to engage with a really important issue. We know many smokers are motivated to give up by a desire to have a healthier, longer life with loved ones. This campaign, and these shows on Friday, really shine a spotlight on it, and will provide a chance for people think about the very serious impacts smoking has, not just on an individual, but on everyone who cares about them”.
Tracy Mikkelsen Edwards, Service Manager at support service Smokefree Hull said: “No matter how many times you might have tried to quit before, the next attempt could be the one that changes your life. We hope people are inspired to explore all the different quit services we have in Hull and take the step to quit.”
Alex Mitchell from Silent Uproar said, “We have enjoyed taking the idea of the advert and transforming it into a street performance that we hope will surprise shoppers and ignite conversations about the very real issues in life that might be overlooked due to smoking. At Silent Uproar, we relish finding playful approaches to challenging discussions. It has been wonderful to have talented artists create thoughtful responses to engage people in this campaign, and we look forward to popping up across the region.”
If you’d like free support, contact SmokeFree Hull on 01482 977617 or visit: www.changegrowlive.org/smoke-free-hull/home
Performance times
11am and 12midday Event Space, Hull Trinity Market
2pm and 3pm St Stephen’s Park Street Entrance space (outside TK Maxx and Tesco)
