Up Down Big Man Gives Us Final Installment Of Play Trilogy
The new play opens in The Weston Studio this month
Up Down BIG Man is the third in a trilogy of plays that have been inspired by the real life story of Nathan Bessell, a gifted actor who has learning disabilities.
The show is the final installment in what has been a twenty-year collaboration between Nathan and Heather Williams – the Artistic Director of Myrtle Theatre Company.
Bristol’s Myrtle Theatre Company is centred around inclusivity and authentic representation, aiming to bring to the stage the voices of people who are too often unheard.
This is certainly what’s happened with this trilogy. It’s grown to become a very regional affair with international reach.
Up Down BIG Man is a Myrtle Theatre Company and Wiltshire Creative production in association with The Wardrobe Ensemble and with support from Bristol Old Vic.
Up Down Boy is the first show in the trilogy. It was written by Sue Shields, Nathan’s mother. It was her first piece of writing for which she was supported by Catherine Johnson of Mamma Mia musical fame.
Nathan played his on-stage alter ego Matty with Heather Williams playing his mum.
The show was groundbreaking, going on national and international tour – including a run at the National Theatre.
The second installment in the trilogy was Up Down Man, which came in 2016 and had equal success. This show was written by Brendan Murray, who explored what happens to Matty when he loses a parent.
The third and final show in the trilogy Up Down BIG Man had its world premiere at Salisbury Playhouse Salberg Studio just last week.
Of course it’s coming home to Bristol and will play in The Weston Studio of Bristol Old Vic next week.
The third play, as with the previous two, can be watched as a standalone performance. Audiences who have seen the previous two stories will find it fascinating to get an update to the story.
The latest play has been devised and written by Nathan Bessell, Tom Brennan, Tom England, Heather Williams and Helena Seneca.
It’s been dedicated to the loving memory of Nathan’s mum Sue Shields (Bessell).
Research for the show was done in collaboration with the Bessell family and Keynsham and District Mencap.
Up Down BIG Man sees Nathan reach the age of forty. His mother has now gone and his dad has moved on. It’s time for him to leave home. But what will happen to Matty? How can be be independent and safe when still needing support?
Myrtle Theatre Company describes the play as being full of “wit, anarchy and heart”.
The Up Down Trilogy give audiences insight into the social history of a person with Down syndrome as well as the artistic development of an actor with a learning disability.
“Nathan brings an incredible truth and joy to his performance,” Heather Williams says.
“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 is at The Weston Studio of Bristol Old Vic 20 – 24 October 2026
For more information or to book, visit: https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/up-down-big-man
Follow Myrtle Theatre Company on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrtletheatrecompany/
Featured Image: Craig Fuller
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