Hannah Walker & Co presents: Gamble - Q&A

Summerhall, Cairns Lecture Theatre, 1 – 26 Aug 2024 (not 12 & 19), 16:30 (17:25)

Tell us a bit about the story of the show.

I’d been with my partner for a while when I discovered he’d been gambling compulsively online. He was struggling with a huge amount of debt, shame and isolation. I didn’t tell anyone about what was happening because I was afraid they’d judge him. After attending GamAnon, I started to open up and share my story.

The show, Gamble, then developed from there. It’s about my experience being in a relationship with a compulsive gambler and it also features interviews with gambling industry experts, health professionals, gamblers and their loved ones.

It’s fun, sad, political and a multimedia cabaret! It engages whole heartedly with the realities of living with someone with an addiction but punctuates the stories with humour and hope.

What is it like performing a show that’s so personal?

The show started once me and my partner began to open up to friends and family and were finding it helpful. I discussed the idea of creating a show about problem gambling with co- creator Rosa Postlethwaite. My partner helped as a consultant on the first iteration of the show and that was hugely cathartic for us both. 

It’s been a long process and I think that’s really helped me digest everything that’s happened. Making the show has helped me understand my partner’s experience, and other people who experience addiction. Talking about my feelings has made me less frightened about the colossal problem of gambling harm. 

What has been the best part of the process?

Performing the show!

And talking to audiences afterwards. I find it really rewarding when people feel like they can share their experiences with gambling addiction. When you realise that other people are going through what you are, it makes it easier to come to terms with. It’s what I really needed when I found out about my partner and when I began to talk about my situation, I created connections with people unlike any other. My partner believes that this work will raise people’s awareness to the prevalence and effects of compulsive gambling. I find that exceptionally rewarding.

The gambling industry makes me so angry and it causes such devastation for people but that feeling reinforces the importance of the show to me.

What has the audience response to the show been like so far?

Mixed! Some reviewers have loved it and given us … others have not been so great… One thought we were being stupid and didn’t get it. 

Our audiences seem to love it and it’s led to NHS referrals and that’s what I care about!

Is there a fact or moment in the show that people are most surprised by?

There’s a section where the audience hears from Dr Matt Gaskell, Clinical Lead and Consultant Psychologist for the NHS Northern Gambling Service, who’s been involved in the project since the beginning. He’s incredible and provides an insightful perspective about addiction and how the gambling industry fuels it. It’s not nice to hear about the devastating realities he faces everyday but there is hope in that the prognosis for recovery and support is extremely high. 

I'm sure audiences will also be surprised I'm not a professional singer with my dulcet tones…

Where can people go to find help or advice about compulsive gambling?

We have a leaflet which will be given out during every show. This has advice for gamblers, friends and their family members which includes GAMSTOP, Gamban and GA- all who have been lifelines for my partner and I. 

We’re going to be having audience wrap around events on Saturdays during August and these will be with Dr Gaskell. Previous conversations have led to NHS referrals and networking between audiences and activists working in gambling reform.

My main aim with the show is destigmatise gambling addiction and I hope audiences leave knowing gambling addiction has nothing to do with someone's character.

When and where can people see your show?

Gamble | Summerhall, Cairns Lecture Theatre, 1 – 26 Aug 2024 (not 12 & 19), 16:30 (17:25)

And where can people find you online?

@hellohannahlm on Instagram and X