Max Emmerson Productions announces the UK tour of RUM, a solo debut inspired by personal experiences in the building trade. Written and performed by Joe Mallalieu (Coronation Street), and directed by Tess Seddon (Say Yes To Tess), this powerful production explores society’s expectations of men and the impact on their mental health.
Following its acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe 2024, where it won the Broadway Bobby Award, RUM will tour the UK from Thursday 24 April to Saturday 28 June 2025. The show is reviewable from Friday 25 April 2025 at Arc Theatre Stockton.
RUM follows Danny, a plasterer who has been in the trade since childhood. He’s rushing to finish a job before giving the speech of his life. The play delves into the struggles of expressing emotions, highlighting the connection between poor mental health, violence, and vulnerability.
Joe Mallalieu shared his thoughts on the production: “In its simplest form, I’d say it’s a play from the north west, to the working class. About the men of the working class. The play takes an honest look at men from the building trade, it’s a fly on the wall to how men survive in the industry. Stories worth telling, and things better left unsaid.”
Director Tess Seddon expressed her excitement: “I am delighted that RUM is going on tour. It was extraordinary watching how deeply this powerful show touched audiences in Edinburgh and I am so excited for more people to experience it across the UK. RUM is strikingly honest, and unashamedly raw. Joe’s multi-layered and charismatic performance as Danny the macho plasterer on the run from his feelings is hilarious, shocking and tragic.”
Lucas Whitehead, Head of Marketing and Partnerships at ANDYSMANCLUB, added: “We’re proud to be supporting RUM, a no holds-barred take on mental health and suicide in the construction industry. It is no coincidence that Britain’s most male-dominated industry has a problem with male suicide, and anything that artists, professionals or the public can do to shine a light on this is massively beneficial.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
