The SMSA chats to Euan Martin (61)—ironically, on the day he was building his very own man shed in his garden—about how his experience with Scottish Men’s Sheds and the SMSA inspired him to co-write the play ‘Man Shed’ which is currently showing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Right Lines Productions—a writer-led production company based in Moray run by Euan and his writing partner, Dave Smith—is debuting its brand-new production ‘Man Shed’ as part of the Pleasance Theatre Trust’s Edinburgh National Partnerships programme at the Edinburgh Fringe at Bunker One.
Starring Ron Emslie, the touching 60-minute long play follows one man’s journey to explore loneliness, the joy of Men’s Sheds and the comfort to be found in friendships and a sense of belonging in the community.
Euan said: “Following a delay of over two years due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to finally let audiences in to see our work. Our plans were scrubbed following the cancellation of our tour originally planned to start in May 2020 and we really didn’t know what was going to happen with the play.
“One day, we heard the announcement that Eden Court was teaming up with the Pleasance Theatre Trust as part of their Edinburgh National Partnerships programme. In February of this year, an open call was put out for dynamic Scottish artists/companies to apply to take their work to Edinburgh Fringe 2022. We didn’t have anything to lose so applied, pitched the play and were delighted to be selected as a partner.
“I first experienced a Men’s Shed when I met members of Forres & District Men’s Shed through Moray Waste Busters. It was great to see them in action, have a good blether with the guys and hear the stories they had to share.
“I also visited the first Scottish Men’s Shed, Westhill & District Men’s Shed, which is such a fantastic place in addition to Inverurie & District Men’s Shed and meeting the Shedders in Keith and Fochabers. Each Shed is unique in what they offer their members and how they support them and that really inspired me.
“After a career of 35 years in social work, my interest in the ethos of Men’s Sheds has always been there. I met Jason Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Men’s Sheds Association, through Moray Council and found his enthusiasm and passion when speaking about the Men’s Sheds Movement, so motivational.
“The theatre piece that Dave and I have created is a warm story of one man’s highs and lows. Without giving the story away, in the beginning our character is adamant that the Shed life is just not for him—‘no way, I’m not going, it’s not for me’ he says. Then, he thinks about it—he can continue to stay at home feeling insecure and lonely or he can get out there and socialise. The show will make you think, laugh and maybe even cry at times.”
The Edinburgh Fringe run at The Pleasance marks the world premiere of the show. The play—recently commended at the Men’s Shed’s debate in Scottish Parliament on 16th June—is previewing until Monday 29th August (with the exception of Monday 22nd August). Check out the trailer for the play here.
Right Lines Productions hopes to tour the play in Scotland in Spring 2023. www.rightlines.net
Tickets are still available to purchase online at www.pleasance.co.uk/event/man-shed/performances