This page has examples of work, quotes & data to compliment our National Lottery Project Grants application for the touring of Casson & Friends Production: SHED STORIES

Shed Stories

WHAT is shed stories?

Shed Stories is a new performance from Casson & Friends, inspired by interviews with Shedders of all ages. The show will combine 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.

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.

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

Partner Quotes

Quotes from partners in support of Shed Stories touring

“We’re really excited to be supporting Casson & Friends with their men’s sheds inspired performance - a great example of men’s sheds and the arts!”

— Rachel Meadows, UK Men’s Sheds Association

“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”

— Sarah Haythornthwaite, Peterborough Presents CPP

“After our shed being involved in the creation of the show, inviting C&F to return & perform SHED STORIES creates a joyful opportunity for our community to engage with culture that celebrates our shed & connects us to something bigger”

— Ian Bysouth, Garon Park Men’s Shed, Southend

“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 in Essex”

— sally lampitt, applause rural touring

Previous Work: The Allotment Project

“Unique and touching. It really portrayed the essence of why allotments are so special in words and dance”

— Audience Member

Co-created in 2023 with allotmenteers & community gardeners, The Allotment Project toured to 10 sites in Spring & Summer 2024 across Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Fenland, Forest Heath, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the West Midlands; including to Theatres, Community Gardens, Allotments & Village Halls