'We can be strong. We can be loud. We can be brutal. And if it makes people uncomfortable? Good.'

Five wildly different women gather in the muddy fields of the Highland Games circuit to compete in the obscure art of Backhold Wrestling. Can bold beginners Imogen, Chantelle, Jo, Pamela and Helen transform themselves into a team and win the championship? Or will their differences sabotage them, and send them face-planting into the mud?

The pearls are off, influencer videos posted and 'Gucci' bags from the Barras Market set aside. This is it. Hold on tight.

A poignant, dynamic exploration of belonging and identity, Nat McCleary's play Thrown opened in 2023 at Victoria Hall, Dunblane, directed by Johnny McKnight, before embarking on a Scottish tour which culminated in a run at the Traverse Theatre, as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

About the Author

Nat McCleary is a Glasgow-based actor, writer and mover, whose work focuses predominantly on intersectionality and identity.

Reviews

'A brave and vivid Scottish play that tackles the fraught politics of identity through the prism of wrestling... the powerful story of five women struggling to understand and support one another in a divisive world... fast, smart and funny'

* Scotsman *

'A heart and soul depiction of five women of today holding on for dear life'

* The Herald *

'A stunning, gripping play about the complexities of identity and place - has the audience hooked from the start'

* Time Out *

'Punchy and perceptive... McCleary's play has a huge heart'

* The Stage *

'Funny and touching... Each character is well-fleshed out and complex... It's surprisingly emotional and manages to cover a lot of story in a short space of time'

* Broadway World *

'Enormous fun... full of lively, energetic dialogue ... grappling with the complications of race, nationality, and identity in a modern Scotland... McCleary is good at humour, and she also has a sharp ability to tackle issues head on... effortlessly telling'

* WhatsOnStage *

'A funny and engaging play that grips you in a wrestler's hold and never lets go'

* Broadway Baby *

'Wonderful... marvellously spirited... a nuanced picture of contemporary Scottish society... a must-see'

* The Skinny *

'Funny and scary and provocative, with an elegant and thoughtful script'

* British Theatre Guide *



Book Information
ISBN 9781839042584
Author Nat McCleary
Format Paperback
Page Count 96
Imprint Nick Hern Books
Publisher Nick Hern Books
Weight(grams) 112g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 7mm