A powerful, uplifting exploration and often very funny story of men
overcoming isolation through friendships made in Men’s Sheds.
Created by Swansea City Opera. Developed in partnership with Men’s Sheds Cymru.
Brendan Wheatley wrote Shoulder to Shoulder using the stories of men’s sheds members, which he
gathered through interviews, listening to, and sharing the laughter of these Shedders
The composer and clarinetist Lenny Sayers, whose music has been widely broadcast, wrote the score.
Shoulder to Shoulder toured 6 venues in Wales in November 2022 and now you can hear some of
the acts and an explanation from Brendan
The development of Shoulder to Shoulder brought the activity of singing to some Sheds, often for
the very first time. Six community choirs comprising of ‘Shedders’, joined by family, friends, and local
choral singers, will sing on stage in their hometowns alongside the ensemble of professional
singers and musicians, adding a powerful dimension to the performance.
In 2023 Swansea City Opera and Men’s Sheds Cymru are hoping that Shoulder to Shoulder – The
Men’s Sheds Opera can tour again, involving more and different Men’s Sheds from across Wales.