The Show for Young Men
This funny and tender dance performance uses humour and heartfelt choreography to consider how modern-day ideas of masculinity affect both boys and men.
The Show for Young Men is a funny and moving dance performance about friendship between a man and a boy.
They meet on a building site at dawn. Robbie (45) is here to work. Alfie (11) is here to have fun. Using playground games, risk-taking and mischief, they dance and play together, discovering that there are many ways to be brave and kind – both as a boy and as a man.
Directed by Eoin McKenzie and co-created in collaboration with Robbie Synge and young performer Alfie, The Show for Young Men is a bold attempt to challenge outdated traditions of manhood, championing boys’ and men’s capacities for care, friendship and vulnerability.
The Show for Young Men premiered at Dance Base as part of the Made in Scotland Showcase (2024), Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and has since been performed at Edinburgh International Children’s Festival (2025) and in co-production with Aaben Dans in Roskilde, Denmark, with a Danish cast (2025).
Need to know
Every adult and child needs a ticket. Under-12s must be seated next to an accompanying adult.
Scenographer: Rachel O’Neill
Sound Designer: Greg Sinclair
Lighting Designer: Katharine Williams
Movement Consultant: Aya Kobayashi
Lead Artist & Director: Eoin McKenzie
Performers & Collaborators: Robbie Synge & Alfie
Watch more
Access
Imagine is a Relaxed festival and this event is a Relaxed Performance (RP). Relaxed Performances have a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space, and you are free to leave and re-enter during the performance. A chill-out space and noise-cancelling headphones are available for both adults and children. There are no adjustments to sound and lighting for these performances and this performance contains amplified sound.
You can join our free Access Scheme through your online Southbank Centre account or via email.
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For your visit
This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre
The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Purcell Room is an auditorium located within our Queen Elizabeth Hall.
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All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
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