Many women have to deal with their husband's hair-brained schemes. And when Sheila comes home to find her husband has decided to build a 70ft mineshaft in the back garden, she somehow isn't surprised. But if you were married to Fred Dibnah, one of Bolton's best-loved sons, you wouldn't be either. After appearing on television repairing Bolton town hall clock in 1978, Fred went from eccentric, engineer and steeplejack to local hero, celebrated broadcaster and national institution. But when he is diagnosed with cancer, it threatens to demolish his personal and professional life as easily as he had toppled chimneys throughout his illustrious career. Despite his tragic deterioration, he determines to forge ahead with his project to get his beloved steam engine on the road. And along the way, Fred's relationship with Sheila is put to the test. Aelish Michael's funny and tender play, researched in collaboration with Fred's wife and some of his closest friends, focuses on the last few years of his eventful life. The Octagon is proud to stage this world premiere; a tribute to a man who will never be forgotten in his home town, and whose inspirational legacy lives on.| 7 Apr 11 to 7 May 11 | Octagon Theatre Bolton, Greater Manchester Performance Details => Venue archive |
