WELCOME TO YOUR…
Teeth N’ Smiles 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 “Teeth ‘n’ Smiles” and its London Spring/Summer run 2026.
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.
"The acid dream is over; let's have a good time."
- David Hare, Teeth ‘N’ Smiles
Resources & Information
Below are the key themes from Teeth ‘N’ Smiles and how to access related support if personally affected. This is not exhaustive and doesn’t replace consulting your GP or seeking professional help. You may also discuss this with Victoria if you feel comfortable. All resources are inclusive to non-binary and/or LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Addiction, Excess and Self-Destruction
Characters regularly engage in heavy drug and alcohol use as a way of coping with pressure, emotional pain, and the demands of performance, leading to loss of control and harm.
UK Support Resource:
Turning Point – Provides support for drug and alcohol misuse alongside mental health services.
Phone: 020 7485 5600
Website: www.turning-point.co.uk
Identity, masculinity, and emotional suppression
Characters struggle with fragile identities shaped by performance, success, and masculine expectations, often masking vulnerability with bravado, aggression, or humour.
UK Support Resource:
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – Supports men struggling with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
Mental health distress and emotional instability
Characters display mood swings, emotional volatility, exhaustion, and psychological distress without access to appropriate support or language to express their experiences.
UK Support Resource:
Mind – Mental health charity offering advice and support across a wide range of issues.
Phone: 0300 123 3393
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Exploitation, power, and pressure within the music industry
The play highlights exploitative relationships between performers and those in power, including financial pressure, lack of autonomy, and emotional manipulation.
UK Support Resource:
Help Musicians – Offers mental health, financial, and career support for people working in the music industry.
Phone: 020 7239 9100
Website: www.helpmusicians.org.uk
Relationship conflict and emotional disconnection
Relationships within the band are marked by conflict, poor communication, emotional cruelty, and difficulty sustaining trust and intimacy under pressure.
UK Support Resource:
Relate – Provides counselling and support for relationship difficulties and conflict.
Phone: 0300 003 0396
Website: www.relate.org.uk
Disillusionment, failure, and loss of meaning
Characters experience deep disappointment when dreams of success fail to bring fulfilment, leading to cynicism, fear of failure, and a sense of meaninglessness.
UK Support Resource:
Samaritans – Offers confidential emotional support for anyone experiencing distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
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.
― Samuel D. Hunter, Clarkston
“Just because something's a cliché doesn't mean it isn't true.”
“Just because something's a cliché doesn't mean it isn't true.”
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.
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:
