A PLAY which delves into the experiences of those suffering from mental health issues will arrive at the Macrobert Arts Centre next week.

Fisk tells the story of a desperate man's battle with depression, using a unique brand of metaphors.

With help from health experts, as well as those directly affected by such conditions, the play hopes to nurture greater understanding and discussion of mental health issues.

Next Thursday's performance will be followed by a short discussion, led by a panel of people, exploring the incidence and impact of mental health.

The production will tour across Scotland, including dates in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Shetland.

Alex Bird and Arran Howie appear in the two acting roles, backed up with a tight-knit production crew.

Director Ross MacKay, from Perth, said: "When we started coming up with the idea for the show, we started with ideas and images and soon realised that we were talking about was depression.

"We were keen that, if we were to tackle a subject like this, then it wouldn't be us hitting people over the head with stats or anything. It would be with our own puppetry and imagery.

"I had depression when I was about 21-22, and so myself and the other members of the production team drew on our experiences, but we realised that we still had a very limited pool of knowledge.

"We then approached the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival and created a panel with people who had mental issues, who had supported someone with mental health issues, and professionals.

"The panel came along to see how we were progressing and helped us out too."

Ross, 29, added: "What we want from our shows is to raise questions and debate, as opposed to saying here is all the answers.

"Especially with mental health, because there's just not a whole lot of discussion about it. It is still taboo.

"We should talk about it more, not just for those suffering from a condition, but for those who have supported them and the strain it can have on their relationships."

Fisk will arrive at the Macrobert Arts Centre on January 26. For ticket information, visit macrobertartscentre.org/event/fisk/ or contact the box office on 01786 466666.