This page has examples of previous work, quotes & data to compliment our National Lottery Project Grants R&D Fund application for Tim Casson’s Rural R&D of Max Porter’s ‘Lanny’
SHED STORIES
Matthew Winston & Deepraj Singh in SHED STORIES at Fenton Town Hall, Stoke on Trent
(Image: Jenny Harper)
Shed Stories is the latest documentary dance theatre performance from Casson & Friends, inspired by interviews with the communities in and around Men’s Sheds. The show combines compelling movement with human, humorous and heartwarming tales of making sawdust, friends, and cups of tea!
WHAT are 'MEN’S SHEDS’?
Men’s Sheds are community spaces where men can pursue practical skills including making and mending, but crucially offering a social space for men with similar interests to be together - rather than alone. These spaces not only offer somewhere to develop and share skills, but build vital social connections and friendships that can improve mental health and reduce the risk of loneliness & isolation. After starting in Australia 20 years ago, the movement is growing in the UK with an estimated 1200 sheds across the country.
ABOUT THE production
Shed Stories is a 60 minute full-length duet for 2 male performers, that has a self sufficient technical setup, allowing us to bring high quality performances to rural, community and unusual spaces - even to Men’s Sheds.
Using Casson & Friends’ unique approach of turning ‘conversation into choreography’, the performance was created through a series of visits, workshops & residencies at Sheds, Arts and Community Spaces in Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire and North Yorkshire throughout late 2024/early 2025.
Interviewing & co-creating with shedders, shed organisers and other experts, we have created a performance that is authentic, celebratory and helps to raise awareness of the importance of these spaces - even generating new shed members!
The show follows on from The Allotment Project and PREPPERS, and is the next in a series of co-created performances that shine a light on the importance of community in the face of an increasingly isolated society.
previous touring & audience response
After premiering in April 2025 at Lincoln Arts Centre, the show toured across England in Spring & Autumn 2025 with 26 performances to almost 1000 people; gaining audience & critical acclaim, and press coverage (being featured on Times Radio and across the BBC Local Radio network)
“Funny, thought provoking, and emotional - real voices & experiences transformed into a beautiful peek inside the world of Men’s Sheds”
“an engaging and delicate study of masculinity and solidarity”
“enlightening, informative, heart-warming and entertaining… a wonderful piece of contemporary theatre befitting of its wonderful subject”
Evaluation
The Autumn 2025 Tour of SHED STORIES was evaluated by Tessa Lynn of Kingfisher Commons and revealed that of 37% of Audiences surveyed:
The tour achieved 72% attendance
10% were first-time dance attendees
50% were aged 60+
47% were male identifying
91% would recommend the work
Download the full report for more data and reflections from partners, audience members and the creative team.
data from UK men’s sheds association around the value of men’s sheds
Research of 100 shedders in 2023 commissioned by UKMSA stated the following benefits:
Creating new friendships
A sense of belonging and contributing to a community
Increased self-esteem
Increased mental and physical wellbeing
43% of Shedders described themselves as lonely before coming to a Shed which dropped to 3% after joining
76% of people felt less anxious after joining a Men’s Shed
Trailer
Partner Quotes
Quotes from partners in support of Shed Stories touring
“We’re really excited to be supporting Casson & Friends’ to tour SHED STORIES - a great example of men’s sheds and the arts!
When I saw the performance at ShedFest 2025, I’d not seen much dance before - but it really brings the Shedders’ words to life.
I absolutely loved it and am amazed at what you can do with such a small space and minimal setup!”
“Presenting ‘Shed Stories’ as part of our menu continues our commitment to presenting contemporary dance in rural & community settings (a genre that is often hard to place)
the show is accessible, inclusive & reflects the concerns & thoughts of local people in an exciting & dynamic way - enabling us to reach new audiences as well as continuing relationships with our communities & venues”
“Ashfield Creates is a 3 year project aimed to increase engagement with arts and culture in the district of Ashfield. A key part of this programming is to bring quality work to residents’ doorsteps, and exploring stories that connect with their lived experiences.
There are a number of men-in-sheds groups in the area, and the demographic that engage with these spaces are a group we are keen to reach:
Casson and Friends’ Shed Stories is a perfect example of how to reach communities that don’t necessarily engage with arts and culture, but also provide inspiring performances to encourage future interaction.
We are very excited to work with them”
“Local Data from ours and other Peterborough-based cultural organisations, shows fewer men are engaging in creative activities, making them one of our target audiences.
Audiences & partners also tell us that wellbeing, mental health & connecting with nature is important to them.
The programme Casson & Friends will deliver is reflective of the need in the city, as ‘SHED stories’ will engage men where they already meet, in positive creative experiences that are much needed in Peterborough”
“After our shed being involved in the creation of the show, inviting C&F to return & perform SHED STORIES in 2025 created a joyful opportunity for our community to engage with culture that celebrates our shed & connects us to something bigger - I hope other sheds get to experience this incredible show”
Images
Matthew Winston & Deepraj Singh in SHED STORIES at Fenton Town Hall, Stoke on Trent
(Images: Jenny Harper)