A PLAY about the deadly risks to Glasgow women whose husbands were exposed to asbestos while working on the shipyards has its online premiere this week.

Fibres, written by Frances Poet and starring Maureen Carr and Jonathan Watson, is the first full-length theatre production to be filmed by the Citizens and Stellar Quines.

It is the story of Jack and Beanie, a couple who discover that Jack has contracted the deadly cancer mesothelioma because of his exposure to asbestos in the shipyards in the 70smany years before – and because she washed his overalls, Beanie has it too.

The play was a huge success when it toured to community venues last year.

Director Jemima Levick explains: “Fibres explores the deadly legacy of asbestos, placing women’s voices at the centre of that story, and, in doing so, offering insight into an experience rarely told.

“While set in the west coast of Scotland, I have no doubt that this story will resonate with families in and around industrial cities across the world and, with one health crisis living alongside another, offers a new perspective to this already important story.”

The project is supported by Action on Asbestos, formerly Clydeside Action on Asbestos, a charity established in 1984 by men who had been diagnosed with an asbestos disease to provide practical advice and support to others affected by this condition.

Phyllis Craig, Director and Senior Welfare Rights Officer, said: “Our charity is delighted to be in a position to support Stellar Quines and the Citizens Theatre to film the fantastic play Fibres so many more people can learn of the reality and devastation that previous exposure to asbestos can cause to a family.

“Today we are seeing so many more people being diagnosed with an asbestos condition simply because they went to work.

“No one should ever have to deal with an asbestos condition on their own.

“I would urge everyone to take the opportunity to watch this play.”

Fibres will premiere online on Wednesday, November 25 at 7pm.

Watch at home tickets are free and can be booked from fibresfilm.co.uk. Audiences can then enjoy access to the filmed production for one month until Wednesday, December 23.