Ever felt like the world needs a bit more understanding? Like, wouldn’t it be nice if people focused more on what we share rather than what separates us? If that sounds about right, you’re going to want to hear about Kirk Dunn and his incredible show, The Knitting Pilgrim. It’s art, it’s storytelling, it’s a giant knitted conversation about life, faith, and getting along.
And guess what? It’s touring the UK this May!
What is The Knitting Pilgrim all about?
Imagine spending 15 years—yes, you read that right, fifteen years—knitting three massive, stained-glass-style tapestries. Sounds bonkers, right? But that’s exactly what Canadian actor, writer, and fibre artist Kirk Dunn did. His project, called Stitched Glass, isn’t just jaw-dropping to look at. It dives deep into the relationships between the big three Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Now, instead of leaving these epic knitted panels in a museum somewhere, Kirk turned his experience into a one-man theatre show. He’s performed The Knitting Pilgrim over 100 times across Canada, Austria, Germany, and the United States—and now he’s bringing it to the UK.
If you’re near Bradford Cathedral on Wednesday 7th May 2025, mark your calendar. That’s your chance to see it live!
Why should you care?
Honestly? Because it’s not just about knitting. (Even though that alone is pretty cool.) The Knitting Pilgrim tells a personal and emotional story about trying to understand people who are different from us. It looks at big issues like xenophobia, Antisemitism, and Islamophobia—but in a way that’s totally human and relatable. No preaching. Just real stories and real questions.
Plus, it’s packed with funny, moving moments. You know, the kind that makes you laugh one minute and tear up the next. Think of it like chatting with an old friend who somehow manages to explain life’s biggest issues using yarn.
And yes—you can bring your knitting! Kirk even hands out yarn and needles if you forget yours. Later, all the audience’s knitting will be stitched into a giant Moebius Strip—a mind-bending shape that has no beginning or end. (Pretty symbolic, right?)
Where and when can you see The Knitting Pilgrim?
Here’s a quick look at the tour dates:
- Friday 2nd May: Portgordon Village Hall, Buckie, Moray, Scotland
- Saturday 3rd May: Braemar Village Hall, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
- Sunday 4th May: MacRobert Memorial Hall, Tarland, Aberdeenshire
- Wednesday 7th May: Bradford Cathedral, Bradford (7:00 PM show, £10 ticket + booking fee)
- Thursday 8th May: Two knitting workshops at Nelson Library and Colne Library, Lancashire
- Friday 9th May: Rainhall Centre, Barnoldswick, Lancashire
- Saturday 10th May: Accrington Library, Lancashire
- Wednesday 14th May: Artist’s Talk at Canada House, London
- Thursday 15th May: JW3, London
- Friday 16th May: Southwark Cathedral, London
And from June 2nd to June 29th, Kirk’s massive Patchwork Pride Project will be covering the outside of Canada House in London, right in time for Pride Month.
What makes it even cooler?
The Knitting Pilgrim isn’t just a play—it’s an experience. The backdrop, the Stitched Glass panels, weigh over 90 pounds altogether. They sparkle like real stained glass but are completely made out of yarn. Supported by the Ontario Arts Council through a grant back in 2003, they’ve been a real labour of love.
And if you’re a fan of podcasts or YouTube rabbit holes, you’ll love this: Kirk and his co-writer (and wife) Claire Ross Dunn have created The Knitting Pilgrim Talks, a podcast series where Kirk chats with experts about different parts of the tapestries. It’s perfect if you want to dive even deeper after the show.
A quick quote to leave you thinking
As Kirk puts it:
“Focusing on what knits us together, rather than what pulls us apart, is a place to start.”
Honestly, couldn’t agree more.
Tickets for the Bradford show are available at: the-knitting-pilgrim.eventbrite.co.uk
And for more about Kirk’s work, you can check out: kirkdunn.com
