“a thoroughly exhilarating 60 minutes that certainly pulls no punches” – ★★★★★ The Recs

“This is the kind of theatre we need.”- ★★★★★ The List

He says they’re making my hands into bombs.

I’m waiting for him to say ‘you don’t have to do this, it’s ok. You don’t have to do this.’

Instead he says, ‘Jump on the spot. You’re shaking. We can’t let them see that you’re shaking.’

Stuntman is an explosive physical performance by two men exploring the relationships between violence and masculinity through stunts and satire. Taking inspiration from classic and contemporary action movies such as Die Hard and John Wick to create high-octane and sometimes ridiculous fight scenes, Stuntman examines the impact that having action-hero role models has on men and boys.

A striking, film set-inspired design by Rachel O’Neill, along with sound by Richy Carey and lights from Michaella Fee immerse the audience in the excitement of the heightened, cartoonish fights and draw us into the performer’s personal stories of their relationship with violence and aggression. Set in traverse, the audience are front and centre of the action, an intimate yet explosive performance from David Banks and Sadiq Ali juxtaposes the anger, rage and hype that men can feel on the brink of a fight with the calm softness and tenderness of not wishing to be violent.

Stuntman is for anyone who has ever enjoyed a violent action movie (but felt a bit weird about it). It is an intensely physical, funny, and tender duet by two men who wrestle with their relationship to violence – both onscreen and off. Fusing the Pow! Biff! and Wallop! of over-the-top stunt fights with personal stories of real encounters with violence from the performers’ lives.

“On the surface fun and silly, it has much greater depth …delivered with a (thoughtful) punch. A small but perfectly formed piece of theatre.” – Glasgow Theatre Blog

“a subtle and moving meditation on masculine violence” ★★★★ – The Stage

Audience info & content warnings

Recommended for ages 14+. Stuntman contains violence(including use of prop weapons and fake blood), strong language (including use of racial & homophobic slurs) & reference to suicide.

For more detailed content warnings click here.

Credits

Lead Artist & Director – Pete Lannon

Performer & Deviser – David Banks

Performer & Deviser – Sadiq Ali

Scenographer & Light Installation Designer – Rachel O’Neill

Lighting Designer – Michaella Fee

Composer & Sound Designer – Richy Carey

Dramaturg – Kim Donohoe

Dramaturg/Outside Eye – Rishi Trikha

Action Consultant – Emma Claire Brightlyn

Action Assistant – Robin Hellier

Technical Stage Manager – Chris Gorman

Engagement Coordinator – Eoin McKenzie

Producer – Stories Untold Productions

BSL Interpreter – Iain Hodgetts

Originally created by – Pete Lannon, Ellie Dubois & David Banks

Photographer – Brian Hartley

Graphic design – Gallusness

Marketing & PR – Chloe Nelkin Consulting

With thanks to National Theatre of Scotland, Tramway, Imaginate, Catherine Wheels, Starcatchers, Scottish Opera and Community Circus Paisley.

Stuntman has been supported by the Creative Scotland Touring Fund for Theatre & Dance and iwas part of the Made in Scotland showcase 2023. madeinscotlandshowcase.com

All enquiries, high res images and further information:

Chloé Nelkin Consulting

E: edinburgh@chloenelkinconsulting.com, M: 07764 273 219 (Chloé)

W: www.chloenelkinconsulting.com