Wednesday 30 April 7:30pm
SUNNY SIDE
By Northern Rascals
K is struggling.
At 18, he’s living in a world where everyone is rushing full-steam ahead but himself. He’s trapped in a small English Everytown; a self-proclaimed ‘rain-soaked paradise’ in the bottom of a Yorkshire valley. A town of two sides: old versus new, indigenous versus gentrified. And yet there’s still nowhere that seems to fit K.
In a last attempt to understand and reconnect, he revisits the pivotal moments of his life but is left paralysed at the prospect of a future where his voice can’t be heard.
Where do young men stand in a world that seems to have no place for them?
SUNNY SIDE is a raw and powerful portrayal of the modern young male experience, touring in partnership with Andy’s Man Club and informed by the voices of over 750 young people across the UK. Combining contemporary dance, theatre, and spoken word, this socially urgent work from Northern Rascals explores the pain and loneliness that shape the journey from adolescence to adulthood.
Warnings: SUNNY SIDE explores sensitive and potentially distressing topics related to mental health, loneliness and societal pressures faced by young people. There is also the use of haze and flashing lights.
Quotes on Northern Rascals’ work:
★★★★
‘It’s rare in dance to find a setup that looks real, but Yorkshire-based Northern Rascals deal in slices of reality and everyday truths.’
The Guardian
★★★★
‘Emotive and moving’
West End Best Friend
‘Imaginatively impressionistic’
The Reviews Hub
‘Timely… places young people front and centre’
The Stage
‘“Like peeping through a key-hole into someone else’s world. As characters grapple with their own journeys and relationships, vulnerabilities are shared and souls are bared, resulting in a work that is powerful and poetic”
Dance Art Journal
‘Heartfelt and poignant’
Reviewer Number 9
“Brave and poetic, this company does exactly what it wants to do”
– John Fitzpatrick
“Vulnerable and raw, Sunny Side is devastating in its ordinariness’
– Geoff Colman
“The decision to write a script using language of such depth and poeticism, and spoken by a northern, working-class man is a brave political act”
– Jennifer Farmer, Playwright
Audience on SUNNY SIDE:
“A very emotionally charged piece. Very personal. Love The way you used the synchronised dancing to show the character’s connection”
“Beautiful world building! Captivating performances, special mention to the duets.”
“Wow! Moving, authentic, incredible. So emotive. The power of physical theatre. I’m speechless… I was on the edge of my seat throughout and the boys together at the end. Utterly amazing. Thank you!”
“Simply fabulous! The poetry and the performance were mesmerising. More people deserve to enjoy this. Very powerful and emotional.”
“Outstanding. To simply see such understanding makes it easier”
“Excellent! The daily struggle of life to love and be loved is paramount”
“It’s beyond words, I could feel the characters and their woes. The writing is beautiful. Dreamlike – you will get lost in it”
“This is different from anything else I’ve ever seen”
Tickets: £10 / £8 concs / £5 EHU Graduates / Free for EHU Students