How
Happiness Anonymous came to be
The First Bite
In 2015 Jem told a friend about her phobia of zombies. Her friend laughed in her face and said Jem should make a show where she turns herself into a zombie. Jem laughed it off, but it stuck...
The Infection
2015 was a rough year. Rough enough to make Jem wish there was just some kind of support group for happiness. So, she ended up on an accidentally on purpose journey to better her mental health space. Throughout her adventures reading libraries, consuming catalogues of podcasts and collecting an anthology of quotes, tidbits, thoughts and TedTalks from sources all around the world, the conversation about a solo show with zombies kept playing in the back of her mind. So she asked herself - just as she'd asked in her 'ruthless pursuit of happiness' - why? Why was she scared of zombies.... And a show started to emerge. A show that is her thesis - the culmination of her lived experience of mental health improvement - but made fun and entertaining.
The Rising
In late 2021 Jem attended 'Notes' at Oval Arts Depot - a safe space to share thoughts and ideas, and workshop your creations. She bought Happiness Anonymous. The whole team at Oval Arts Depot sprung into action, and soon enough were hosting the previews in time to go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2022.
The Swarm
As part of the PBH Free Fringe 2022, Jem played Happiness Anonymous to an enthralled audience. They asked for further conversations and a chance to have the support group for themselves after the show. They asked her to take it to schools. They followed Happiness Anonymous after the show. They felt encouraged to go on their own 'ruthless pursuit of happiness'.
Now, Jem gives the people what they want...