Does a musical forged and set in Sheffield, by a Sheffield-born playwright and with music by a fellow native of the steel city, work in London’s West End? Does it relate to a London audience? You bet. 100%.
Standing at the Sky’s Edge (Gillian Lynne Theatre for a limited season) follows the lives of three sets of residents, from the 1960s through to today, of the brutalist Park Hill housing estate in Sheffield; think Ladbroke Grove’s Trellick Tower, only five times bigger.
The three moving, and cleverly interwoven, human stories cover the different stages of the estate’s history, from its utopian conception and construction through to its demise in the 1980s and then its regeneration at the start of the 21st century. We see how political and social change impact on the lives of three very different families, from the optimism of the 60s through to Thatcherism, Brexit and today.
While the detail (and humour) is local to Sheffield the messages about community, pride in your locality, welcoming outsiders and the mixed blessings of gentrification apply equally to London, and indeed Britain as a whole.
Add playwright Chris Bush’s witty storytelling and political sincerity to Richard Hawley’s stirring music and lyrics and it is no surprise Standing at the Sky’s Edge won the Best New Musical award at the 2023 Olivier Awards and the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production.
The strongest performances? From an impressive cast, for us Elizabeth Ayodele as Joy and Lauryn Redding as Nikki. The best of Richard Hawley’s music and lyrics? Undoubtedly Tonight the Streets Are Ours and Coles Corner.
Suitable for children over 12, particularly youngsters with a social conscience and an interest in modern social history. Be aware – there are dark moments and, while the overall mood is upbeat, don’t expect an altogether happy ending. Standing at the Sky’s Edge is extremely moving. Take tissues!
Standing at the Sky’s Edge is at Gillian Lynne Theatre, Drury Lane for a limited season. Tickets from £20. For our selection of London theatre and art shows for children and families please visit our shows page.