The Umbrella Man And Other Stories

Fresh from a successful run at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe, Martin Fitzgerald is now bringing his one-man storytelling show to the Otley Courthouse!

The show is based on Fitzgerald’s critically acclaimed book of the same name, published by Biteback in April 2026. It was a Radio 4 Pick of the Week and Richard Herring has described it as his favourite book of the year.

The Umbrella Man and Other Stories brings a fresh perspective to the one of the most enduring subjects of modern history – the JFK Assassination. Rather than getting bogged down by the usual questions of who and why, Fitzgerald instead chooses to focus on the ordinary people who were caught up in the most scrutinised six seconds of the twentieth century.

A man who opened an umbrella on a sunny day. A dressmaker with vertigo. A woman with a polaroid. The mysterious Babushka Lady. And the three suspicious tramps, arrested shortly after the assassination.

These are the strange, true stories of a small group of accidental bystanders to history, who spent the rest of their lives trying to escape it. The Umbrella Man and Other Stories carefully guides the audience through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, taking them back to 1963 and into the shoes of the people who were present that day.

Combining humour, meticulous research and impeccable storytelling, this gripping show shines a new light on the event – whether it’s your specialist subject or you’re a complete novice.

“Fitzgerald’s approach is full of humanity.” – Hugh Bonneville, Actor – Paddington and Downton Abbey.

“Smart and restrained.” – Al Murray, Comedian and co-host of We Have Ways of Making You Talk.

“Fascinating.” – Robin Ince, Comedian and Broadcaster

“One of the best things I saw in Edinburgh and taught fascinating things about an event I thought I knew a lot about.” – Sarfraz Manzoor, Writer and broadcaster.

“***** – a gripping, intelligent, and deeply human exploration of one of history’s most infamous moments” – Counter Culture

“***** – witty, fast, and packed with detail” – Scottish Field

“Fitzgerald is a master in the art of storytelling. Highly recommended.” – Fringe Review