Having run independent venues as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for eight consecutive festivals, Saltire Sky have announced their decision to go it alone this year, programming the return of the Best Drama winning MANikin at the Hibernian Supporters Club in Leith this August outwith the Fringe Societies programming.
The company made the decision following increased lack of support from the Fringe for unfunded independent companies like theirs running independent venues over the years.
Choosing to take the Fringe ethos back to its roots, Saltire Sky will be performing on the outskirts of the festival prioritising community links that are both affordable and accessible to Edinburgh locals with the British Obesity Society returning as partner charity following a successful collaboration in 2024.
SHOW BIO
It’s lonely at the top, especially at the top of Scotland. Set in the small town of Ellon and delivered with classic Scottish humour, join Fraser Patterson as he wrestles with his mind & body in his struggle with playing the bit-part-role of The Big Guy. Brutal playground initiation evolves into real-world tribulation in a society riddled with stigma and prejudice.
MANikin is an unflinching portrait of a man’s struggle with obesity and body image in the modern day, raising awareness about the issues and impact surrounding male obesity, body image and mental health, offering audiences a unique and compelling perspective on a topic that affects millions worldwide but is often overlooked.
MANikin was nominated at the Scottish Theatre Awards 2023 for Best Scottish Production and the Bright Spark Award for Emerging Talent alongside runner-up at that years Sit-Up Awards for social impact and won Best Drama from social media team, The Derek Awards in it’s 2024 return season.
Community bonds have been ever-present with MANikin; collaborating with Thrive Arts to perform and speak at events regarding system change and the role of the arts alongside working with representatives from NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, EVOC and speaking at the Mental Health Forum bringing the issues Saltire Sky prouctions tackle to light.
Saltire Sky came to prominence with the multi award winning ‘1902’, selling out five consecutive Fringe festivals, touring the UK and a successful return to Edinburgh in 2025 commemorating the 150th anniversaty of Hibernian Football Club alongside further success with ‘Bits ‘N’ Pieces’ in partnership with Edinburgh charity Crew 2000 that went on to win Best Scottish Production at the Scottish Theatre Awards 2022 alongside two return Fringe seasons. ‘Un-Expecting’, written by Nathan Scott-Dunn, also debuted this year as part of Play, Pie & A Pint’s Spring Season to critical acclaim. Saltire Sky’s first scratch night; ‘The Big Blether’ will also be taking place in Leith on Friday 12th June.
Co-Artistic Director of Saltire Sky and Writer of MANikin, Nathan Scott-Dunn, said of the return:
“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. Having had first-hand experiences of stigmas showcased both in life and within the industry regarding size and body-image I am immensely proud to be bringing MANikin back to the stage. This production defies stereotypes and challenges perceptions up close and personal with the Scottish heart and humour that a Saltire Sky production is known for. This August your support will be more appreciated than ever as we trial going solo and hope you’ll join us in supporting local Scottish artists then.”
CAST
Sands Stirling as Fraser Patterson
CREATIVES
Writer: Nathan Scott-Dunn
Director: Nathan Scott-Dunn & Sands Stirling
Assistant Director: Jonny Tulloch
Technical Support: Sandy Bain & Jonny Tulloch
Sands Stirling as Fraser Patterson With thanks to Josh Brock and the British Obesity Society for their guidance, support and providing of post-show aftercare links CREATIVES
‘MANikin’
Fri 7th Aug – Sat 15th August (Excl. Tues 11th) 6pm (Doors 5:30pm / Duration: 60 Minutes)
Hibernian Supporters Club – 11 Sunnyside, EH7 5RA
Ticket Link: https://manikin.eventbrite.co.uk
*With thanks to Josh Brock and the British Obesity Society for their guidance, support and providing of post-show aftercare links*
