Experience a gripping solo theatre show that dives into the lives of two inmates in a high-security prison during the 80s. Something to Take Off the Edge explores the raw realities of friendship, addiction, and the search for purpose amid confinement. Touring prisons and hostels across the UK, this powerful story brings the stage to places often left out, inviting audiences to connect with the complexities of life inside
Unlock creativity and self-expression through engaging workshops in creative writing and performance. These sessions offer participants tools to create their stories and shape them into monologues, poems, or spoken word pieces, fostering personal growth and confidence. Tailored for individuals affected by the criminal justice system, homelessness, addiction, and life’s many challenges, these workshops provide a supportive space where voices are heard and valued.
‘Uncle Errol’ McGlashan, from Brixton, South London, is a captivating, award-winning spoken word artist known across London for his rhythmic performance poetry. A sought-after events host and workshop facilitator, he’s also the creator of Word on the Kerb, a mobile open mic platform that brings poetry to the streets. Whether performing in theatres, boardrooms, poetry events, or community spaces, Uncle Errol delivers spoken word that captivates audiences, leaving a lasting impact. Book him for a performance: wordonthekerbuk@gmail.com
The show has been highly praised for its authenticity, relatability, and engaging storytelling, which is based on Errol’s own lived experiences. After seeing the show, Errol hopes audiences will feel inspired to write and share their own stories—whether for therapy, creativity, or entertainment. The journey continues in 2025, as Errol takes the show to Ireland, with plans to visit prisons, forensic psychiatric institutions, and hostels, offering more powerful performances and inspirational workshops.
Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/errol-mcglashan/ To book a performance for your workplace,
contact: Email: wordonthekerbuk@gmail.com
Phone: +44 (0)7848963715
Something to Take Off the Edge is described as a powerful and engaging tragi-comedy that delves into the transformative power of art, literature, faith and friendship.
During the hour-long performance, McGlashan beguiles the audience with a humorous yet poignant story about two convicts who strike up an unlikely friendship while flirting with Drugs, Chocolate Hobnobs, and Shakespeare while serving long-term prison sentences in 1980s Britain.
Something to Take off the Edge has been praised for its ability to tackle complex issues surrounding incarceration, addiction and mental health in a thought-provoking and entertaining way, with its humorous and heartfelt moments leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
After each performance, there will be a Q&A session. Additionally, an optional mini workshop based on the play’s themes can be arranged if it aligns with your organisation’s goals.
Here is a monologue I recently wrote for Cardboard Citizens More Than One Story project, It is a spin off from my solo-show, superbly acted and directed by actor Micheal Quartey and director Chris Sonnex.
In 2023, the Royal Shakespeare Company marked the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio with 37 Plays, a national playwriting project to create a new folio of brand-new plays. rsc.org.uk/37-plays.
Reviews
McGlashan’s play is both funny and sad; a mixture facilitated by a direct use of literary tropes, and by the running thematic thread of literature throughout.
Errol McGlashan has been in and out of prison. Today he is an award-winning spoken word performer and playwright. He spoke to Paul Sullivan
The high-energy performance lifts you into the cell mate’s work and I felt that by the end of the play, I knew cellmates Terry and Ezra very well ★★★★
‘a wonderful mix of comedy, spoken word and well-drawn characters’
★★★★
McGlashan’s magnetic one-man show immerses us in the unlikely friendship of two prisoners both trying desperately to escape their reality through either literature or narcotics. ★★★
Words are as addictive as drugs in Errol McGlashan’s one-man prison play ★★★& a half
a rollercoaster, brimming with themes of friendship, loyalty, self-growth, and the shadows of addiction & mental health… 🎢 ★★★
Presented in the unique setting of the Lambeth County Courthouse Errol McGlashan presents his electrifying one-man play. A witty take on prison, drugs and friendship.
a one-man-show tragicomedy heavily based on lived experience. Ezra and Terry are cellmates who strike up an unlikely friendship flirting with heroin, chocolate Hobnobs and Shakespeare
Errol, known as Uncle Errol, does not have to try too hard to imagine what that is like as he has spent a lot of time behind bars.
McGlashan’s refreshing portrait of an addict is deeply compassionate and void of judgement.
This powerful and engaging tragi-comedy delves into the transformative power of art and literature, promotes literacy and relationship-building in prisons, reflects on prison and personal reform and rehabilitation, and warns against drug addiction.
By far the best performance!” Chloe, audience member at a recent scratch night at Royal Court Theatre
This is theatre at its rawest and most compelling.
SOMETHING TO TAKE OFF THE EDGE dives into ’80s prison life with fervour. McGlashan’s spirited portrayal offers humour, grit, & Hobnobs,
Hugely funny & also sad @errolmcglashan owns the stage!
The setting? Delightfully simple. Two chairs, a table, books📚 No elaborate light or sound design – just pure, authentic narrative magic.
Errol McGlashan, from Brixton, South London, is an award-winning writer and Spoken Word Artist known across London for his dynamic stage presence and rhythmic performance poetry. He is also an actor on stage, screen, and community settings, a sought-after event host and workshop facilitator.
H M Prison & Probation Services (Prisons and Approved Premises)
Young Vic Theatre (Community Theatre- Mayfest Celebration)
Drug & Alcohol Recovery Hostels and Day Centres (Various)
Outside Edge Theatre Company
Scottish Prison Service
Cardboard Citizens
Sodexo
Serco
With much appreciated support from London North Eastern Railway, Civil Society Consulting, Scotrail and Necessity
Donate
Thank you for visiting my website and for your interest in my ‘Hostels plus…’ Tour. I often give free performances especially to groups and organisations who have no budget. Please give a small donation to support this. Much appreciated.
Donate to the following information:
Name: ERROL MCGLASHAN
Sort code: 04-00-03
Account number: 14421012
IBAN: GB87 MONZ 0400 0314 4210 12