Who does a psychiatrist turn to when he needs help himself? The Psychiatrist, written by and co-starring Julian Bird based on personal experience, premieres at London’s White Bear Theatre.
After working as a psychiatrist and physician for 40 years, Julian Bird started acting in his sixties. He now takes the title role in his self-penned new two-hander The Psychiatrist.
The play is based on real events and portrays a psychiatrist’s struggle with poor resources, whilst trying to achieve a better life for his patients. Troubling events and losses in the psychiatrist’s personal life lead him to seek help from a psychotherapist while he continues his work.
In alternating scenes, he is shown as a patient and as a therapist.
Following his career in psychiatry, Bird trained as an actor at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. His TV credits include East Enders and The Tudors for the BBC. He received critical acclaim for his role as Sigmund Freud in Freud’s Last Session at the King’s Head in 2022.
Bird commented:
“From my own experience I am well aware that at times of stress the mental health of psychiatrists can be a critical factor in the treatment of their patients. Audiences will get a realistic feel for the tensions, frustrations and dangers of working with inadequate resources and a fascinating insight into the mental health problems of a psychiatrist.”
Kenneth Michaels directs Bird and co-star Stephanie Okoye. The world premiere production is presented at the White Bear Theatre by Alistair Brown.
Following the 7.45pm performance on Thursday 10 April 2025, I’ll talk to The Psychiatrist writer and star Julian Bird and other members of the team. Any questions? Join us!