RHYL Men’s Shed is to welcome the new opera “Shoulder To Shoulder” to the Rhyl Little Theatre on Friday, November 17. 

Shoulder To Shoulder is inspired by the life stories of Men’s Shed Cymru members, which were collected by Brendan Wheatley, artistic director of Swansea City Opera, through interviews.

Men’s Shed Cymru is part of an international movement, founded in Australia, which encourages grassroots groups to spring up for men in their local communities. 

READ MORE:

Rhyl Men’s Shed members dare to bare all for charity calendar

Stephen Johnson, of Brighter Futures Rhyl where the town’s Men’s Shed is based, said: “It’s exciting to be linked to something that raises awareness of the Men’s Shed Cymru charity and the great work Sheds do in their local communities.

“The opera was a huge hit in Wales when it toured in 2022. We can't wait to see Shoulder To Shoulder here in Rhyl.

“Park the idea of opera being something that’s not for you. Audiences are in for a real treat and a great night out.”

The plot sees busy young mum Gwen at her wits end with her dad, Rhys, who struggles with alcoholism having lost his wife and son. 

Bereaved and lonely, Rhys reluctantly joins his nearest Men’s Shed group. 

Experienced “Shedders” Dai, Ioan, and Charlie show Rhys the ropes, including woodworking, garden gnomes, and where the tea bags live.

The opera features an all-Welsh professional cast who have sung with leading opera houses and companies, including the Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Welsh National Opera. 

Soprano Jessica Robinson, who plays Gwen, was a 2023 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World finalist. 

She was the first Welsh finalist in the prestigious competition in more than 20 years - previous Welsh finalists have included Sir Bryn Terfel. 

Brendan Wheatley, who created Shoulder To Shoulder’s story, said: “I drank many cups of tea with Shed members – ‘Shedders’- over conversations that are the basis of Shoulder To Shoulder’s story.

“I felt instantly at home, and when you get a group of men together, there’s, inevitably, plenty of good-natured banter and humour runs through Shoulder To Shoulder.

“Some of the stories were hilarious. It was an absolute honour to meet Shed members who generously shared their stories with me.

“Shoulder To Shoulder is a tribute to this brilliant charity who do so much in Wales supporting men in their local communities.

“In 2022, people came away from performances buzzing having seen top class singing and music with relatable stories in their local venue.

“We cannot wait to bring Shoulder To Shoulder to Rhyl.” 

Shoulder to Shoulder will be performed at Rhyl Little Theatre on November at 7pm (tickets £8-10).

At 6.30pm, there will be a pre-performance talk by Brendan Wheatley on the making of Shoulder To Shoulder. 

You can buy tickets online.