Saddle Sore
Bring Me Sunshine Productions (Colchester, England)

This is a story of two men and their attempt to mark the life of Dave, a close friend they have recently lost to cancer, by going on a bike ride together.

Kevin – a retired insurance broker – is confident, brash, in dire need of a confidante, yet somehow he pushes away those closest to him. Joe – a builder – is more down to earth, likes the quiet, easy life, which definitely doesn’t normally involve cycling long distances! Both, holding onto guarded secrets about their own health, find themselves on a journey of discovery which will make the discomfort of saddle soreness seem trivial in comparison: the journey of discovering what it’s like for blokes to really talk about how they really feel.

Packed with humour and pathos in equal measure, the play explores issues around men’s mental and physical health – and the difficulties of cycling with someone who really does not have the same expectations around what a ‘few days contemplating life and exploring the East Anglian countryside’ involve.

‘Saddle Sore’ is a must-see comedy drama, performed by local actors and regular performers at the Headgate Theatre, Kevin Topple and Joe Geddis, with an original script co-written by Kevin and Colchester author, Ian Hornett.

Artists’ proceeds from the play will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK.

Duration: 50 mins

Age suitability: 16+

Audience Warnings: Adult Themes