Want to see something by real Scottish actors?
Something by a company that’s been hailed as the new ‘National Theatre for Scotland’?
Something that addresses issues rarely featured in the theatre? Male obesity, body image and mental health?
Then get yourself a ticket for Saltire Sky Theatre’s MANikin. And get one quickly, before this short run sells out.
‘Fraser is everyman, or at least every fat man; his pain is the pain of so many.’
Saltire Sky’s highly acclaimed MANikin returns to Edinburgh this month. It combines an empathetic, sensitive interrogation of one man’s struggles with sharp, hilarious comedy to create an outstanding piece of theatre.
In MANikin, we join Fraser Patterson (the exceptionally talented Sands Stirling), a boy growing up in small town Aberdeenshire. Fraser lives with his hardworking Mum, and his Mum’s way of showing her love for her only son is to feed him up. Fraser and his Mum are poor; Mum works long hours, so no wonder she dishes up cheap convenience foods for tea. Fraser doesn’t have a problem with that; he doesn’t know his Mum already has Type 2 diabetes.
Fraser’s early schooldays are happy, but soon he’s thrust into the cutthroat world of the academy. From then on in, life becomes increasingly miserable, as Fraser struggles to navigate friendships, bullying, the job market, relationships – and the stigma and prejudice so often hurled at those who don’t fit the perfect model.
Nathan Scott Dunn’s writing draws us into Fraser’s life, we are there with him as he tries to cope in a hostile, unforgiving world; Sands Stirling totally convinces as this troubled man – and as his Mum – for this is a solo show, and the dexterity with which Stirling switches from one character to another, and from pathos to comedy and back again, is truly impressive.
‘We make theatre for people who don’t go to the theatre. We aim to change stigma and challenge perceptions of what working-class theatre is and can be whilst remaining accessible to those who inspire us.’
Saltire Sky have worked with the British Obesity Society in the development of MANikin. The play was first performed at the Fringe in 2024, where it received rapturous reviews (including a 5* one from me: click here to read it.) On restaging the play in Edinburgh, this time outwith the auspices of the Fringe, Scott Dunn says;
‘Bringing MANikin back for a run in August feels like an important moment for the show. It’s about giving the work its own space to connect with audiences in a more direct & grounded way and collaborating with the British Obesity Society also allows those conversations to carry beyond the performance itself. This run is about visibility, honesty & creating space for stories that reflect real lived experiences.’
This year Saltire Sky are again at the Hibernian Supporters’ Club on Easter Road. In 2025 the club proved a perfect venue for Saltire’s sold out run of the multi-award winning 1902. It’s a great location, welcoming, easy to access and a credit to Leith’s hospitality. Great bar too.
MANikin is playing at 6pm (doors 5.30pm) on 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th August (NB: no performance on Tuesday 11th) at Hibernian Supporters Club ,11 Sunnyside, EH7 5RA (just off Easter Road.) Various buses pass the door, or you can walk from the city centre in just half an hour.
Tickets cost £11.55 and are available from Eventbrite here (NB tickets are not being sold through the Fringe Box Office.)
Please note this show does contain dark themes, swearing and sexual references. It is considered suitable for anyone aged 14+.
