Sheila McMahon's 11th mental health show, Identity, is at the Lichfield Garrick at 7.45pm on Saturday 10 October. Tickets £18.50, one night only, rated PG.
Mental health counsellor and comedienne Sheila McMahon is bringing her 11th annual mental health show to the Lichfield Garrick on World Mental Health Day. Sheila’s Mental Health Show: Identity is on Saturday 10 October at 7.45pm, in the theatre’s Studio.
Tickets are £18.50 on the Lichfield Garrick listing. It is a one-woman, one-night-only show.
Her publicist, Angel Media PR, calls her a Lichfield Garrick “institution”. She is based in Tamworth.
What the show is about
This year’s theme is identity. The show looks at the beliefs, behaviours and gender roles that can be shaped in early childhood. It then asks the audience which parts of their identity still feel true to them now.
Sheila explained the idea in her own words:
“We are a product of our environment, and so much of what we believe about ourselves can be shaped by the people and experiences around us.
“This show is about taking a step back and asking ourselves what actually feels true for us now, rather than simply carrying forward beliefs and labels that may no longer serve us.
“It’s about self-reflection, emotional cleansing and, ultimately, it’s about giving ourselves permission to decide who we want to be moving forward.”
The Garrick’s own listing describes it as a journey from early childhood that uncovers “beliefs, behaviours, and gender roles passed onto us”. It promises “some emotional cleansing of unhelpful beliefs and labels, to allow us to decide who we want to be”. The venue adds that Sheila will be “mixing the education up with songs and stories to bring some light-heartedness to a serious topic”.
Comedy, music and a serious subject
The format is the same mix she has built her shows on:
- mental health education
- comedy
- live music
- personal stories
Her stated aim is to make conversations about mental health more accessible and to remove the stigma that can still surround them.
This year’s show follows the launch of her second book at the Garrick earlier in 2026. Behind Closed Doors is an anthology of poetry.
What it means for you
If you want to go, these are the details from the Garrick’s listing:
| Date | Saturday 10 October 2026 |
| Time | 7.45pm |
| Venue | Studio, Lichfield Garrick |
| Price | £18.50 |
| Running time | About 2 hours 20 minutes, including a 20-minute interval |
| Age guidance | PG |
| Content | Contains strong language and adult themes |
The Garrick lists the show under comedy. Angel Media PR says tickets are selling fast, and the venue’s listing advises booking early because it expects a sell-out.
For a flavour of her style before booking, her publicist points to her YouTube channel and on TikTok.
The Garrick has more shows this autumn, including The Void on 14 October and the Robin Hood pantomime. For more ideas, see things to do in Lichfield.
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