.
The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff
“Moving, rousing, triumphant”
*****
The Stage
“An extraordinary portrait of a working class hero”
*****
The Observer
Rising Up! Peterloo 2019
Story by Debs Newbold with original songs from Sean Cooney.
In 1819, the concept of freedom of speech, protest and democracy were tested when armed soldiers charged at peaceful protesters. Two centuries on, these principles are still under threat. This new commission tells the personal stories of two women linked across time and through experience as they struggle to rise up and find their voice.
Rising Up boldly combines dramatic narrative and song, with text written by Debs Newbold (King Lear Retold, Through The Seasons) and songs by Sean Cooney (The Young’uns). The songs and music will be performed by Sam Carter (False Lights), Lucy Farrell (Furrow Collective) and Jim Molyneux (4Square).
The Odyssey: Episode 4
The Island of the Sun
Presented by The Fire Station (for Sunderland Culture in partnership with Sunderland Empire Theatre), written by Lindsay Rodden with songs by Sean Cooney
An epic tale of stormy seas, mythical monsters and vengeful gods.
Our hero’s quest for home is full of hope, gritty determination and the Mackem soul.
On a midsummer night, in a city by the sea, hear the story of a ragged band of sailors and their captain Odysseus as they travel on their long, perilous journey home.
Gripping and enchanting, The Island of the Sun is a contemporary take on a key chapter of Homer’s The Odyssey written by Lindsay Rodden with songs by Sean Cooney and directed by Annie Rigby.
The Island of the Sun sees the National Theatre team up with Sunderland Culture and Sunderland Empire for the retelling of this classic tale performed by community members from across Sunderland.
