Explores themes of family, grief, masculinity, and working-class life in Glasgow

As they struggle with the recent loss of Alec’s mother, and Davie’s wife – the play follows their diverging paths across the following decade, as academically gifted Alec pursues education and religion, distancing himself from his working-class background, while Davie succumbs to grief, unemployment, and apathy.  Eternally at the heart of their relationship is the broken model yacht that Davie never fulfilled his promise to fix – and everything this comes to symbolise. 

First performed in 1982, Sailmaker is a set text for National 5 English. It remains a powerful and resonant piece for audiences of all ages. The Gaiety is excited to revive Sailmaker for new audiences in association with Beacon Arts Centre, embarking on a Scottish tour concluding at The Gaiety.