CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

New Play about masculinity, mental health and Mens Sheds announced

New play 'Men Don’t Talk' by Clare Prenton explores masculinity, mental health and Men’s Sheds, as part of Scottish tour this Autumn.

New Play about masculinity, mental health and Mens Sheds announced

Article Source: Genesis Theatre Productions
Last Updated: 17 May 2024 15:41

Starring Scottish actor Billy Mack, alongside Dougal Lee and Greg Powrie Men Don’t Talk is announced during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Produced by Genesis Theatre Productions, Men Don’t Talk is part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, presented in partnership with Scottish Men’s Shed Association and Luminate.

In a week that marks Mental Health Awareness Week, and sees the men's mental health charity Men’s Sheds secure funding in Scotland, Genesis Theatre Productions is proud to announce details about new play Men Don’t Talk.

This Autumn, UK-based theatre maker Clare Prenton presents her new play Men Don’t Talk - a moving and poignant production that explores that very myth, as part of a Scottish tour that runs from Friday 18 October - Tuesday 19 November 2024.

Alongside being spotlighted in Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Men Don’t Talk will tour to Mull, Cumbernauld, the Borders, Peebles, Aberdeen, Orkney, Aberdeenshire, Paisley, Edinburgh and Cromarty, with further dates to be announced.

Starring stalwarts of Scottish theatre, actor Billy Mack is joined alongside Dougal Lee and Greg Powrie in a production that sees three men find banter, bird boxes and biscuits within a fictional men’s shed that celebrates companionship, camaraderie...and custard creams.

Inspired by real men’s stories, Men Don’t Talk was written by Prenton following cups of tea, cake and spirited conversations with real ‘shedders’ who participate in community workshops hosted by the Scottish Men’s Shed Association (SMSA).

Designed to provide opportunities to work together in a way that contributes to community development, the Scottish Men’s Shed Association’s overall aim is to support men coming together in a way that impacts positively on their health, wellbeing and education.

The moving production will invite audiences into a fictional men’s shed to address the importance of men coming together to talk about their emotions, feelings, trials and tribulations to promote positive masculinity.

Presented as part of Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, in partnership with Scottish Men’s Shed Association and Luminate, Men Don’t Talk has been praised in the Scottish Parliament for promoting the benefits of this growing mental health and wellbeing movement.

This comes in the same year as the Scottish Government held a vital round table with practitioners and leaders who are working to promote positive masculinity in their broader approach to achieving equality across Scotland’s communities, and in a week that sees the Men’s Sheds secure a year’s funding in Scotland.

Talking about Men Don’t Talk, writer and director Clare Prenton, said: ‘It’s really gratifying and exciting to see a play that began with chats over a cuppa in my local Men’s Shed grow into a full length play, touring Scotland. The message it aims to convey is that it’s good for men to talk, and there are spaces for that across the shed network.

It’s been a privilege to partner with Scottish Men’s Shed Association (SMSA), Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) and Luminate to get this important message out there. If theatre can play a part in helping one man cross a threshold into a shed, then the play has played its small part in putting men’s health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in the cultural conversation.’


Producer of Men Don’t Talk and Founder of Genesis Theatre Productions Michelle McKay, added:
‘I am delighted that the first show produced by Genesis Theatre Productions is such an important one. With the high rates of male suicides in Scotland, the tour aims to highlight the importance of expressing emotions, whilst educating, entertaining and raising awareness of spaces like Men’s Sheds.’

Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) Chief Executive Officer Jason Schroeder said:
‘As Scotland’s largest and most successful men's health and wellbeing charity, the SMSA supports the play Men Don’t Talk wholeheartedly, and we encourage everyone to see the play to get a deeper understanding about what they can do to support themselves and loved ones.

To help create and raise the awareness of the plight men have found themselves in with the 'strong and silent' type generic cultural model, this play highlights the inherited situation and, more importantly, a new pathway now available through Scottish Men's Sheds to support the healthy change so desperately required for men in Scotland.’


Andrew Eaton Lewis of Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival's said:
‘We're delighted to include the Scottish tour of Men Don't Talk, as part of Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival's 2024 programme. Our festival theme this year is 'In/Visible', and we're interested in exploring which aspects of our mental health we keep hidden.

Clare Prenton's play, in which a group of men defy the stigma surrounding male mental health to open up about difficult and painful experiences, is an important and valuable part of that conversation.’


Developed by Producer Michelle McKay under her new company Genesis Theatre Productions, Men Don’t Talk is supported by by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund and An Tobar and Mull Theatre.

To find out the full details and touring information for Men Don’t Talk, visit: www.genesistheatreproductions.co.uk

Sponsored Links

One Ren
PACE Youth Theatre
Glasgow Science Centre

Latest Renfrewshire News

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.

READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!

READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre celebrates impressive footfall figures in 2024

Braehead Shopping Centre celebrates impressive footfall figures in 2024

Braehead Shopping Centre has announced a year of exceptional success reflected in its 2024 performance – showing significant YoY growth in footfall.

READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

READ MORE
Get Set Go... Entries now open for the Paisley 10k and Fun Run!

Get Set Go... Entries now open for the Paisley 10k and Fun Run!

The 2025 Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 17th August.

READ MORE
itison Us charity call out

itison Us charity call out

itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!

READ MORE
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.

READ MORE
Galactic Carnival is landing in Glasgow

Galactic Carnival is landing in Glasgow

Scotland’s favourite out-of-this-world event, Galactic Carnival, is preparing to launch in Glasgow this spring, promising an intergalactic adventure packed with thrills!

READ MORE
Funding boost for artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

Funding boost for artificial pitches in Renfrewshire

New artificial sports pitches will be built in Renfrewshire as part of further £800,000 investment by Renfrewshire Council in outdoor sports facilities.

READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.

READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.

READ MORE
Renfrewshire remembers lost loved ones

Renfrewshire remembers lost loved ones

Renfrewshire’s annual memorial event for those who have lost their lives to suicide was held last week.

READ MORE
Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025

Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025

Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.

READ MORE
Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.

READ MORE
Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar

Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar

Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!

READ MORE
BBC Debate Night returns for 2025

BBC Debate Night returns for 2025

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

READ MORE
First Look: Mar Hall to reopen in Spring 2025

First Look: Mar Hall to reopen in Spring 2025

Spearheaded by independent Glasgow-based design studio, Graven, the renovation will see a complete transformation and expansion of one of Scotland’s most established heritage hotels.

READ MORE
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland

Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

READ MORE
Dobbies free February workshops

Dobbies free February workshops

Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.

READ MORE
Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.

READ MORE
IRN BRU team up with YO! to offer haggis sushi to reimagine Burns Supper in Glasgow

IRN BRU team up with YO! to offer haggis sushi to reimagine Burns Supper in Glasgow

IRN-BRU and YO! are reimagining Burns Suppers, teaming up to fuse sushi with haggis to help Glaswegians celebrate Scotland's National Day with a 2025 twist.

READ MORE
New community space to be created at the heart of Ferguslie Park

New community space to be created at the heart of Ferguslie Park

Works are set to get underway to create a new activity and community space within Ferguslie Park.

READ MORE
Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.

READ MORE
Hopeful parents across Glasgow are invited to adoption event

Hopeful parents across Glasgow are invited to adoption event

Kibble Adoption, the newly launched service from the children's care charity, is inviting people to join them for an event that highlights the benefits of adoption for both parents and children.

READ MORE
World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.

READ MORE
Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!

READ MORE
Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies

Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies

Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

One Ren
The Quay
ATG

Sponsored Links

One Ren
PACE Youth Theatre
Glasgow Science Centre
One Ren
The Quay
ATG

Popular Events

Minature House Scene Worksop
Unleash your creativity at this craft workshop and create a unique home scene with Restoration & Creation!
St Peters FC Mini Kickers
St Peters FC are running Mini Kickers football sessions, for children born in the year's of 2017, 2018 and 2019 at Gleniffer High School on Tuesdays!
The Keg Open Mic Night
From comedians to spoken word or jugglers to musicians The Keg Paisley can't wait for your to showcase your talent at their weekly Open Mic Night!
Film Screening: Touch
Join Refractive on Thursday 13th February for screening of romance drama film, Touch by Director Baltasar Kormalur, just in time for Valentine’s Day!
SPLAT!
Set in an artists studio, SPLAT! follows two aspiring artists one dedicated and serious the other erratic and messy as they attempt to complete their masterpieces!

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley