Blending stand-up comedy, personal stories, and reflections on mental health, the event offers a fresh and engaging look at life inside the world of psychiatry.
Dr Benji, a Sunday Times best-selling author and NHS psychiatrist, is touring with his debut book, You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here, released by Vintage/Penguin in May. The book has been praised for its candid and often humorous take on the realities of mental health care and has struck a chord with readers and critics alike.
Sharing his thoughts on the tour, Dr Benji says:"The response to my book has been very surreal. From being No.2 in The Sunday Times best-seller list to being enjoyed by national treasures like Jo Brand.
"But most special has been the response from patients who have said things like, ‘Dr Waterhouse, should you really be using full names, date of births and NHS numbers?’ Joking aside, it’s been incredible, and I’m looking forward to connecting with readers in person.
"The show will be a mix of stand-up, storytelling, and chapter readings, followed by a Q&A – probably your best chance to speak to an NHS psychiatrist without the 12-month waiting list."
Dr Benji will share a range of stories, from the humorous to the heartfelt, including unusual cases such as a bride looking for Harry Styles and a lorry driver who believes he’s found a cure for coronavirus. Alongside the laughs, he’ll explore the serious challenges facing the NHS, such as underfunding, mental health stigma, and the pressures on both patients and practitioners.