Sailmaker by Alan Spence – Presented by The Gaiety in association with Beacon Arts Centre

Directed by Liz Carruthers

A poignant, poetic, and deeply human play that explores themes of family, grief, masculinity, and working-class life in Glasgow.

Sailmaker tells the story of father and son Davie and Alec, and their changing relationship as they struggle with the recent loss of Alec’s mother, and Davie’s wife. The play follows their diverging paths across the following decade, as academically gifted Alec pursues education and religion, distancing himself from his working-class background, while Davie succumbs to grief, unemployment, and apathy. Eternally at the heart of their relationship is the broken model yacht that Davie never fulfilled his promise to fix – and everything this comes to symbolise.

First performed in 1982, Sailmaker is a set text for National 5 English. It remains a powerful and resonant piece for audiences of all ages. The Gaiety is excited to revive Sailmaker for new audiences in association with Beacon Arts Centre, embarking on a Scottish tour concluding at The Gaiety.

Content Warning: Discussion of racism