Images: World Premiere of Up Down Big Man in Salberg Studio

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 10:06

Wiltshire Creative have released some images from the world premiere performance of Up Down Big Man, currently playing in the Salberg Studio at Salisbury Playhouse.

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

There comes a time in every young man’s life when he has to leave home. For Matty, it’s forty! 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?

The Up Down Trilogy gives a unique insight into the social history of a person with Down syndrome and the artistic development of an actor with a learning disability.

Up Down Boy (2012) was written by Sue Shields, Nathan’s mother (with support from Catherine Johnson, who wrote Mamma Mia!) - about their extraordinary life together. Nathan played his on-stage alter ego, Matty, and Heather played the Mum. This ground-breaking production went on to tour nationally, including 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.

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Now, ten years later, Up Down BIG Man is the first production to be staged in the newly reopened Salberg Studio at Salisbury Playhouse and saw a standing ovation on opening night.

Gareth Machin, Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative, said: “I couldn’t imagine a better production than Up Down BIG Man with which to reopen the Salberg Studio. Working with Myrtle Theatre Company and the Wardrobe Ensemble, this fantastic new production sees a strong South West voice telling a new story with innovation and élan. I can’t wait to see audiences back in the space revelling in the fresh creative energy and joy of a Salberg show.

It feels significant for the organisation to now be able to invest in this vital space. Vital because it enables us to offer a much bolder and broader programme than the Main House allows. It is a space where we can create work for specific audience groups, it affords a space for new theatre makers to develop their craft, and it provides a distinctive and intimate experience for audiences.”

Wiltshire Creative also thanked the Garfield Weston Foundation for supporting this significant moment for the organisation.

Premiering at Salisbury Playhouse Salberg Studio, Up Down BIG Man runs in Salisbury until Saturday 17 October, and at Bristol Old Vic Weston Studio from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 October.