L-R Heather Williams, Tom England, Nathan Bessel, Tom Brennan, Rieko Kijima. Picture Craig Fuller

Arts & Entertainment News Wiltshire Magazine

Up Down Big Man rehearsals underway ahead of Salisbury Playhouse world premiere

Jamie JonesSeptember 29, 20260 Comment0

REHEARSALS for a new theatre production are well underway ahead of a world premiere performance in Salisbury next month (October).

Theatre lovers have been given a behind the curtain peek into the rehearsal room for Up Down Big Man, a Myrtle Theatre Company and Wiltshire Creative production in association with The Wardrobe Ensemble, with in kind support from Bristol Old Vic.

The cast and creative team are rehearsing in Bristol and Salisbury ahead of the world premiere performance at the Salberg Studio at Salisbury Playhouse on October 7.

Following the critical success of Up Down Boy (2012) and Up Down Man (2016), Up Down BIG Man is the third in a trilogy of plays inspired by the life story of the gifted and charismatic performer Nathan Bessell.

The productions have emerged from a 20-year collaboration between Nathan, who has learning disabilities, and Heather Williams, artistic director of Myrtle Theatre Company.

Up Down Boy (2012) was written by first time writer Sue Shields, Nathan’s mother – with support from writer Catherine Johnson (Mamma Mia!) – about their extraordinary life together.

L-R Tom England, Heather Williams, Nathan Bessel. Picture: Craig Fuller

Up Down Big Man

Nathan played his on-stage alter ego, Matty, and Heather played mum. The production went on to tour nationally (including to the National Theatre) and internationally.

Up Down Man (2016), written by Brendan Murray, was equally successful and explored what happens to Matty when he loses a parent.

In Up Down BIG Man, Nathan returns to play his on-stage alter ego Matty in a play the team said is “full of wit, anarchy and heart”.

“There comes a time in every young man’s life when he has to leave home,” a spokesperson said. “For Matty, it’s 40. He really is a big man. But with his mother gone, and his dad moving on, what’s next for Matty? He needs support, but what is the best form of care for him? How can he be independent and safe?

“And as he leaves the sanctuary of his house for the final time, is there space in the boxes for his most treasured possession?”

Up Down Big Man rehearsals are underway. Picture: Craig Fuller

The Up Down Trilogy offers an insight into the social history of a person with Down syndrome and the artistic development of an actor with a learning disability.
Artistic director Heather said: “Nathan brings an incredible truth and joy to his performance. Add members of the award-winning Wardrobe Ensemble into the mix with the talents of other creatives and the result is quite magical and thrilling.

“I am so excited to share Up Down BIG Man with audiences. It’s promising to be as hilarious and moving as its predecessors and I guarantee you won’t see anything else quite like it.”

Up Down BIG Man has been researched in collaboration with the Bessell family and Keynsham and District Mencap, is directed by Helena Seneca and stars Nathan Bessell as Matty, performing with an ensemble cast of Tom Brennan, Tom England, Reiko Kijima and Heather Williams.

Up Down BIG Man can be seen in Salisbury from October 7 to 17, and at Bristol Old Vic Weston Studio from October 20 to 24.