Men’s Shed is a new play for Titchfield Festival Theatre by Janette Evans, whose previous shows include Midlife Crisis, Family Matters, Lost + Found and The Last Secret. Men’s Shed opens on 11 March.

The play centres on six diverse characters, each of whom has a distinctive outlook on life but share a passion for their sheds. The oil in the ointment occurs when a letter is received, challenging the right of it being a ‘men only’ institution. The turmoil and heartache is shared by the boys and, in response, the WI join forces and save the day.



Janette Evans is the director of Men’s Shed:

“Men's Shed is a movement which started in Australia. It was designed to create a space where men, particularly older men, could meet, have social interaction and complete craft projects. Men have often used their own sheds as a personal space, which is theirs and not a family place but the Men's Shed movement is actually about providing a meeting place for men.

“Many people will know that TFT hosts the Fareham Men’s Shed, and over the years I’ve met many of the men who attend the Shed, as well as some of their partners. I recall at one point there was an issue as to whether to allow women to join, as is the case in some Sheds in the UK. This gave me the idea to look at why men might prefer a male-only space.  

“This is a lovely play to watch, full of gentle humour and great characters. It considers some life issues nevertheless it maintains a balance between thoughtfulness and daftness. It's the characters that make the play and the cast is wonderful. There's sensible Tom, grumpy Joe and Pete, who doesn't quite get it but in fact hits the nail on the head. These and others will have you laughing out loud and just occasionally make you think – “I know what they mean by that!””

Men’s Shed performs in the Oak Theatre at Titchfield Festival Theatre from 11 – 16 March 2024. For more information including booking tickets please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/  or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.