A word from our Writer and Director
Through extensive research, collaborating with Charities such as Obesity UK we have created a play that accurately represents society’s relationship with Obesity, working closely with our actor Josh Brock, we have built a story that showcases the trials and tribulations of growing up bigger in modern Scotland and the uphill battle of meeting society’s ideals in terms of body image. Through Josh’s real life experience and that of my own and others we have collaborated with, “MANikin” seeks to challenge the stigma behind obesity and shed light on a topic often glossed over.
Following a successful work-in-progress run at Fringe 2023 we are bringing it back for a full run at this years festival but have hit a snag in our Journey as once again, as a result of numerous failed funding bids we are taking on this project Un-Funded. This is extremely disappointing for us as we feel we have hit a real breakthrough with the show through Dramaturgical reworking and are in talks to take it on tour to reach a wider audience across Scotland, through our community outreach with numerous NHS services we have invited many professionals to the show with the power and resources to make sure this story is taken to the people who desperately need it.
At this point, we are at peace with the fact that the show will not make a profit but it is important that the show gets the platform it needs to showcase these important issues. If you can, please donate and be a part of this journey with us, through the research and outreach for this show I have witnessed first hand how telling these stories can achieve System Change and the Arts has such a HUGE part to play in this.
Cheers, Nath
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND WRTIER OF “MANikin”
ABOUT SALTIRE SKY
Originating in 2016, Saltire Sky have worked tirelessly to create immersive and lasting theatre experiences that bring stories by the people to the people. Specialising in new writing and modern classics, Saltire Sky makes Theatre for people who don't go to the Theatre. This ethos has led to five separate sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival alongside further productions across Scotland and the Midlands. 2018 and 2021 saw the company take on a 44 show run at the Festival on a two show a day basis.
Over the course of August 2021 the company’s show '1902' garnered a lot of steam thanks in part to the outstanding support from the BBC who filmed and showcased the production in the Edinburgh Special of "Loop". Saltire Sky were presented with Broadway Baby's Bobby Award marking '1902' as one of the best shows of the festival, before being awarded an Off West End Award for a Short Run in 2022. And last year our new show, 'Bits 'N' Pieces', won "Best Scottish Production" at the 2022 Scottish Theatre Awards.
Listen to us on Theatre Scotlands Podcast on Spotify talk about who we are and what we do below!