ROB DRUMMOND: WRESTLING

Wrestlemania is in full swing! Catch Rob on BBC Reporting Scotland tonight at 6.30pm, or watch it again here.

“Drummonds don’t fight. My great grandpa was a pacifist, my grandad was a medic, my father is a preacher, and me… I’m just scared. I backed out of my first fight in the playground at the age of eight and I’ve been turning the other cheek ever since.

Well, enough is enough. For the past five months I’ve been in training. Learning holds and lifting weights. Manning up, I think they call it. So the next time someone disrespects me, the next time someone insults or threatens someone I love… things are going to be different.”

Playwright Rob Drummond has been making a name for himself in the world of Scottish theatre. But all the words in the world won’t help him at the Arches in February 2011 when he steps into the ring and into the world of Scottish professional wrestling…

For the past four months, Rob has been working with trainer ‘Damo’ Damien O’Conor, training partner ‘The Antagonist’ James Tyler and wrestler and personal trainer ‘The Mercenary’ Joe Coffey to prepare for the show. A BAFTA-nominated, multi-award winning film crew have been following his every move – the blood, the sweat, the tears, and the moments of personal triumph.

The results will be displayed in a thrilling spectacular show which fuses short film, narrative theatre and, of course, pro wrestling.

Multi award winning documentary filmmaker Lindsay Goodall won the Jury Prize at the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival, was nominated for a BAFTA Scotland award and won Best Documentary at the Palm Springs International Shortfest.

Damo O’Conor is the head trainer at SWA’s Area 52 Wrestling School. Alongside James Tyler and Joe Coffey, they have collectively held a dozen championships, gained tryouts with World Wrestling Entertainment and have worked across the country with the Scottish Wrestling Alliance.

Rob Drummond: Wrestling is one of the first winners of a prestigious Vital Spark Award by Creative Scotland.

Please note: Weekday performances (Wed-Fri) are 18+ only. Matinee events (Sat-Sun) are open to ages 8+

// Two special meal deals are available in the Arches Cafe Bar and Restaurant before the weekend performances of Wrestling, including a £4 lunchtime special and a meal and drinks for two for just £12.50. Or, if you’re seeing the show on Thurs or Fri, get £2 off the pre-theatre menu. See the Cafe Bar page for details. //