Standing at the Sky’s Edge at the National Theatre

Imbued with Sheffield spirit, from the rumbling score to the northern accents, the new original musical Standing at the Sky’s Edge takes theatregoers to cloud nine. Chris Bush tells the story of the city’s famous council estate, Park Hill, through the lives of three women living in three core periods for the building, three timeframes punctuated by the colossal changes that diverted the use of the flats. Rose (Rachael Wooding) and Harry (Robert Lonsdale) move into the freshly built and modern apartment in 1960. Joy (Faith Omole) follows her aunt into their new home in 1989 and finds an unexpected and tender relationship with Jimmy (Samuel Jordan). Flying away from the grey smog and a broken heart, Poppy (Alex Young) buys a duplex for herself in the redevelopment in 2018.

The narrative lines are not staged in chronological order but rather smartly intersected. The overlapping of the scenes is not conventional (there are not the same themes repeated for all of them or similar actions happening, for example), except for the ending. The clock strikes forward for everyone at the same time only to mark the general elections, which are about to shake the future of the country’s inhabitants (decades apart) in entirely different ways.

The power of humanity and a sense of community are exposed and cherished throughout the production. This is partially rendered through the choral stage presence: there are rarely two performers on their own, but the housing estate is brought to humming and dynamic life simply by flawlessly choreographed casual passersby. It seems hard to avoid moments of moral and sentimental teachings, particularly in the second part, the only hints that remind the audience they are watching a theatre piece, points that could be tweaked for the benefit of the duration. Humour, and a lot of sarcasm, star in the script, making it a pleasant balance of tones: a poignant reflection with plenty of laughs along the way to enjoy.

The other pillar of the show is the songs: Richard Hawley presents a beautifully orchestrated setlist, incorporating rock and pop, music so vigorous it conjures a concert feeling. The rhythm is pounding, the guitar solo a highlight, and the deep voices of Bobbie Little and Maimuna Memon vibrate through the air. There’s a Storm A-Comin’ is a vehement closing of the act, sending the whole scene into an explosion (be careful of not missing any part of what’s going on stage, as every character is part of a bigger animated picture). The soulful Open Up Your Door and After the Rain are touching musical hits.

Three women with distinct attitudes lead this engrossing tale of community, love and adaptation – and they rock it all the way.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Image: Johan Persson

Standing at the Sky’s Edge is at the National Theatre from 13^th February until 25^th March 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.