Harry Creffield is an actor, singer/songwriter and comedian based in Bristol. As an actor Harry has appeared in various regional and touring theatre productions as well as collaborating with the Bristol Improv Theatre on their improvised musical shows Pick Your Own Panto & Pick Your Own Fairytale. Harry writes comedy songs about mental health and is currently working on a one-man comedy musical show

 

 

Name: Harry Creffield

Artform: Actor, singer/songwriter, comedian.

Why did I apply for creative futures?

I had been creating my own work for a long time, but I had no idea how to share it with anyone. I come from a low-income family with no industry connections, and I had been working full time at a call centre. I felt completely disconnected from my work as an artist. Creative Futures was the only opportunity I was aware of that not only helped you create your own work, but also paid you for your time. In an industry that is catered to the wealthy, Creative Futures was a breath of fresh air. It was the opportunity I had been waiting for.

Tell us about the work you are currently making

I am working on a live one man musical comedy show, which is a mixture of stand-up comedy and a concert performance. Each song is about a different mental health issue I’ve experience in my life. There’s still so much shame attached to mental health, so I’m trying to find a way to point and laugh at something that has such a negative effect on many peoples lives, including my own. I’d like to spend an hour laughing at my silly brain, and hopefully encourage others to laugh at theirs.

What topics would you like to explore and why?

I want to explore subjects like depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia and ADHD mainly because as well as being dreadful conditions that ruin lives, there is a funny side to the way they make you (or, at least me) behave. I think it can really positive to laugh about the stuff that gets you down, or that you’re ashamed of. I think it can help you heal.

I also want to explore subjects like toxic masculinity and grief for similar reasons. 

Where do you see yourself at the end of the programme?

Hopefully with a show I’m proud of and some idea of how to get that show seen by people. I am hoping Creative Futures will give me some confidence in my work and enough experience to take me forward to my next project.

Find out more about Creative Futures