“Last week he was here and now he’s just not.” Catch Me, a new musical, encapsulates both brilliantly and tragically, the shattering effect suicide can have on those left behind. Created by Arnoud Breitbarth and Christian Czornyj, the performance situates itself around topical conversations surrounding mental health – particularly in young men.

Starting the day before his funeral, Dean’s (Rueben Beau Davies) friends and family have gathered at his house, where his casket lies, to pay their respects. Director Jill Patterson blends beautifully the heartbreak, but also the accompanying awkwardness, when a group of people who don’t normally spend time together are placed together due to tragic circumstances. Matthew Munden, who plays Marc, Dean’s work colleague, is hilarious, injecting some much needed comedy with his – at times – inappropriate toner-related interjections. His perfect comic timing offset the otherwise tragic nature of the piece wonderfully. But there are strong performances from all the actors: Jennifer Tilley and Neal Andrews as Dean’s sister and brother-in-law, and Connor Arnold as Dean’s best friends, portray excellently the complexities that arise following the suicide of a person close to you, all while singing their hearts out. Particular vocal mention must go to Kathryn Pemberton, who plays Sarah, Dean’s fiancée. Her voice is simply beautiful and was furthered by her fellow performers’ complementary tones.

Act 1 displays truthfully and sensitively the response of friends and family to such a traumatic event, but Act 2 allows you to see Dean’s perspective. This gives the audience a greater insight into Dean’s mental health, which in turn sends out a more important message: the need for a heightened awareness surrounding mental health that applies to everyone.

The set is simple, a bare stage and black curtains, with dimmer lamps, offset by the uncomfortable presence of a coffin centre stage – a permanent and physical reminder that in spite of a dialogue that can at times divulge, suicide and mental health are the focus. A guitar (Connor Gallagher) and cello (Emma Melvyn) maintain this notion of simplicity, creating both a sombre and at times funny environment. Sound in a performance is one of its most important aspects; Gallagher and Melvyn are arguably the piece’s unspoken heroes, carrying the other performers through, with their ability to create both a sombre and at times amusing atmosphere.

An original concept, with difficult material, Catch Me deals with the emotional truth of such an ordeal in a sensitive and respectful manner. One to watch.

Catch Me is playing Arts Theatre until December 3.