WELCOME TO YOUR…
Oh, Mary! Support Page
Wellbeing Support That Understands Your World
Welcome to your company’s support page. If you are viewing this page, you are a member of the company, creative or production team for “Oh, Mary!” and its London, Dec 2025 - Apr 2026 run.
Below you will find information on your production wellbeing practitioner, Victoria Abbott, as well as information , resources and booking details that will be relevant to those seeking support at any point throughout the production.
This support is provided by Applause for thought.
1-1 Support
Resources
Crisis Info
Your wellbeing lead…
Victoria (she/her) is a registered psychotherapist with degrees in Psychology, Human Development, and Integrative Psychotherapy, alongside training and experience as a performer.
She leads a private practice specialising in burnout, trauma, grief, life transitions and anxiety, and is the Support Lead at Applause For Thought.
She works closely with creatives and productions to help embed wellbeing practices that align with the demands of the industry, supporting both individuals and organisations.
As a Production Wellbeing Practitioner, Victoria offers guidance to Producers and HoDs on duty of care, and provides one-to-one or group therapeutic support for cast and crew.
What to expect from a check-in?
CHECK INS are 1:1 sessions outside your organisation to discuss mental health. Led by Victoria, a qualified psychotherapist and they last 25 minutes (sometimes longer) and take place in person or on Zoom.
YOU CAN EXPECT a non-judgmental space to reflect on experiences inside and outside the production, offering support and guidance for mental health and well-being. These confidential sessions offer an impartial, empathic ear. They aim to support, not solve, creating a safe space for conversation.
TO PREPARE you might want to take time and reflect on what you'd like to discuss. Ask questions freely and consider your session expectations. It’s an open, supportive conversation, no need to have all the answers. Be gentle with yourself before, during, and after; the sessions are for you.
Book a time to speak to Victoria
Below are the available appointments in the next week to speak with Victoria for a wellbeing check-in. New slots are released every Thursday, so if you don’t see availability it means she is fully booked for this week, please check back by end of play Thursday or email if you’d like to explore options.
Victoria is contracted for a set number of hours each week to provide complimentary support. If demand exceeds this, or if longer-term support seems appropriate, she will discuss options with you openly and supportively.
Sessions can take place online via Zoom, in the theatre/rehearsal space (when visiting), or in Victoria’s private therapy room. All conversations follow BACP ethical and confidentiality guidelines; nothing will be shared without your consent unless there is risk of harm.
“People traveled the world over for my short legs and long medleys."
- Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!
Resources & Information
Below are the some general mental health themes that could affect someone in a workplace and some UK specific resources. This is not exhaustive and doesn’t replace consulting your GP or seeking professional help should you feel you need support. You may also discuss this with Victoria if you feel comfortable. All resources are inclusive to non-binary and/or LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Stress and Pressure
Experiencing mental or emotional strain, feeling overwhelmed by demands or life circumstances.
UK Support Resource:
Mind – Stress Offers practical guidance on identifying stress, understanding triggers, and learning coping strategies for everyday life.
Mental Health Foundation – Provides clear, accessible advice for managing stress, including techniques like relaxation, planning, and problem-solving.
Agency and Control In Life
Feeling empowered to make decisions, manage challenges, and influence outcomes in your life.
UK Support Resources:
NHS - Offers guidance on self-help strategies, goal-setting, and coping mechanisms to increase personal control.
Rethink Mental Illness – Provides information on understanding mental health, managing day-to-day life, and accessing supportive services.
Balancing Life and Self Care
Maintaining routines and habits that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
UK Support Resources:
Mental Health Foundation – Looking after your mental health. Offers guidance on self-care practices, building healthy routines, and prioritising rest and recovery.
NHS – How to improve your mental wellbeing. Provides practical advice for integrating self-care into daily life, including sleep, nutrition, activity, and social connection.
Connection and Community
Feeling socially connected and supported, and having a sense of belonging.
UK Support Resources:
Samaritans - A 24/7 confidential helpline offering emotional support for anyone struggling or feeling isolated.
Mind – Provides access to community networks and peer support groups for shared experiences and mutual support.
Feeling Valued and Understood
Experiencing recognition, validation, and acceptance of your feelings and contributions.
UK Support Resources:
Mind – Offers clear, accessible explanations of mental health topics and practical tools to feel supported and understood.
Rethink Mental Illness – Connects people with similar experiences to reduce isolation and foster understanding and validation.
Emotional Resilience and Wellbeing
Developing skills to adapt to setbacks, manage challenges, and maintain mental health.
UK Support Resources:
Mind – Offers strategies to strengthen emotional resilience, including coping skills, mindset, and lifestyle approaches.
Causes of workplace stress
Work/Life Balance - 20%
Lack of job security - 6%
Stress isn’t always negative; it can motivate and help people meet work challenges. According to The Workplace Health Report (2022), 56% agree the right amount of stress helps them thrive, while only 1% feel overwhelmed. In this industry, workloads are high across all roles, balancing creativity, finances, and urgency. These factors, plus tight deadlines, pressure for excellence, and exposure to traumatic themes, make workplace stress complex. Being aware and proactive in managing stress is essential.
Workload - 46%
Interpersonal relationships - 28%
Stresspulse Survey 2024
Practical Tools to Mitigate
the Impact of Stress
Mental Health Spotlight on…
In high-pressure productions, stress can build quickly. A simple grounding tip:
Take 30 seconds to pause, breathe deeply, and notice three things you can see, hear, and feel. It brings you back to the moment and helps reset your focus.
― Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!
“As you remember from my husband's inauguration, I can put my legs over my head.”
“As you remember from my husband's inauguration, I can put my legs over my head.”
Do you feel in crisis?
If you're feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, you're not alone, and there’s support out there for you. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, sadness, or just need someone to talk to, help is always available. You can call Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123 for free, confidential support. If you prefer to text, Shout offers a 24/7 messaging service, just text 85258 to speak with a trained volunteer.
In an emergency or if you feel unsafe, please call 999 or contact NHS 111 for urgent mental health help.
Samaritans – samaritans.org
Shout – giveusashout.org
NHS Mental Health Services
You deserve support, please reach out.
Who are Applause for thought?
Applause for Thought is a triple award‑winning non-profit founded in 2019 by Raffaella Covino. They offer information and resources, accredited Mental Health First Aid training, talks, workshops, consultancy, therapist directories, and bespoke wellbeing schemes, all designed to support those working in the performing‑arts industry.
If you have any questions or are trying to support your mental health whilst working in the industry, we are here for you.
Click on any of the below to find out more:
