Sailmaker
Coming to Studio Theatre in Edinburgh, Alan Spence's Sailmaker is a poignant, poetic, and deeply human play that explores themes of family, grief, masculinity, and working-class life in Glasgow.
About Sailmaker
| 19th Mar 2026 to 21st Mar 2026 | |
| Matinee Thur 2.30pm / Evenings 7.30pm Fri & Sat/ | |
|
Studio Theatre The Studio 22 Potterrow, Edinburgh South EH8 9BL |
|
| £18 | |
| Visit the event website here |
The Gaiety in association with Beacon Arts Centre presents
Sailmaker by Alan Spence
Directed by Liz Carruthers
Supported by Creative Scotland
Sailmaker is a poignant, poetic, and deeply human play that tells the story of father and son Davie and Alec, and their changing relationship as they struggle with shared loss.
Explores themes of family, grief, masculinity, and working-class life in Glasgow
As they struggle with the recent loss of Alec’s mother, and Davie’s wife – the play follows their diverging paths across the following decade, as academically gifted Alec pursues education and religion, distancing himself from his working-class background, while Davie succumbs to grief, unemployment, and apathy. Eternally at the heart of their relationship is the broken model yacht that Davie never fulfilled his promise to fix – and everything this comes to symbolise.
First performed in 1982, Sailmaker is a set text for National 5 English. It remains a powerful and resonant piece for audiences of all ages. The Gaiety is excited to revive Sailmaker for new audiences in association with Beacon Arts Centre, embarking on a Scottish tour concluding at The Gaiety.
Performance details
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Studio Theatre
Homo(sapien)
Homo(sapien) is a joyful, queer, coming-of-age one-man show about overcoming your fears. Catch it at Studio Theatre in Edinburgh in February!
READ MORE
The Gaze – you, me, us and them
The Gaze - you, me, us and them is a unique event combines an interactive film installation with a powerful live solo performance, accompanied by live music from Ankna Arockiam!
READ MORE
The Bacchae
Written and performed by Ewan Downie, The Bacchae blurs the lines between binaries: human and animal, male and female, victim and perpetrator! Catch it at the Studio Theatre Edinburgh in March!
READ MORE
A Giant on the Bridge
A Giant on the Bridge reveals the intimate human experiences within the prison-homecoming journey in a compelling narrative-gig which fuses songwriting, Scottish hip hop & original storytelling.
READ MORE
A Brief History of Neurodivergence
Join writer and theatremaker Fiona Moon in this rollercoaster of comedy, colour and chaos which will endear, enlighten and amuse its audience.
READ MORE
Three60 World’s Evolution
World’s Evolution is more than a dance show — it’s a journey, following the story of humanity — our growth, our struggles, and our shared future.
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo
Come and enjoy an afternoon filled with Burlesque, Drag, and Cabaret at at The Lab in CC Blooms!
READ MORE
99 Red Hot Kitties and a Cockatoo
Come and enjoy an afternoon filled with Burlesque, Drag, and Cabaret with Red Hot Kitty Burlesque and Cabaret in the fabulous atmosphere at The Lab in CC Blooms!
READ MORE
Loud Poets Open Mic
Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, taking place monthly at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
READ MORE
Doctor Bonk’s Macarbaret
Dr Bonk, Scotland's silliest surgeon, presents the Macarbaret: a madcap hour of drag, burlesque, music, comedy, and medical mayhem!
READ MORE
Monster Cabaret
Join Madame Mabh for her haunted house party at the Banshee Labyrinth, featuring both classic cabaret acts and unusual happenings!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Magic at The Caledonian
Kevin Quantum invites you to an intimate and quite astonishing evening of magic, mystery and wonder in one of Edinburgh’s most historic and enchanting hotels - The Caledonian!
READ MORE
Stand Up Horror
Improvised, macabre tales featuring (voluntary!) members of the audience as actor, writer and tour guide Alex Staniforth invents a horror story every night at Stand Up Horror!
READ MORE
Dick Whittington
Join the St Serf's Players for their 2025 pantomine 'Dick Whittington' at Inverleith St Serfs Church Centre!
READ MORE
Beauty and the Beast The Pantomime
Get ready for a Panto like no other as BTC Productions bring Beauty and the Beast The Pantomime to Church Hill Theatre!
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links