Standing at the Sky's Edge by Richard Hawley and Chris Bush - review (West End)

Standing at the Sky's Edge with songs by Richard Hawley and a script by Chris Bush chronicles the changes in British society over the last 60 years by focusing on three families living at various times in a Sheffield tower block. But is it of interest to those of us not from the former steel manufacturing town? Does the story of a high-rise flat get off the ground as musical theatre? Reviewer Paul Seven gives an emphatic 'yes' and names it one of the best musicals in London's West End. Standing at the Sky's Edge began life at Sheffield's Crucible before a run at London's National Theatre. The director is Robert Hastie with set design by Ben Stone and choreography by Lynn Page. The cast includes Rachael Wooding, Joel Harper-Jackson, Elizabeth Ayodele, Laura Pitt-Pulford and Lauryn Redding.
Production photos in this review are by Brinkhoff Moegenburg
Standing At Sky’s Edge can be seen at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until 3 August 2024.
Paul was given a review ticket by the producer.
Read Paul's review and a roundup of other critics' reviews at theatre.reviews

[@Midlander83]

Great review. I have to admit I don’t really like jukebox musicals as a rule - given a choice I’d always go for original music tailored to the storyline. Having said that, I think this is about as good as jukebox musicals get and I think the songs have been used in a really interesting way, as ‘moods’ rather than trying to force them to work as exposition. Also, some fantastic orchestration means the songs have really taken on a new feel compared to Hawley’s originals, and they support the dramatic situation beautifully. Chris Bush’s script is brilliant - she develops the characters in detail, meaning that the lack of specificity in the songs doesn’t matter too much. It’s a very original piece of theatre and I’d urge anyone to see it.

[@TheatreReviewsWithPaulSeven]

Yes!

[@rebeccalouisewillson]

Thanks for your comment! This show has been on my ‘to see before it closes’ list but I was a bit put off in finding out it was a jukebox musical and I’ve been debating whether I really want to see it.

[@Midlander83]

@@rebeccalouisewillson definitely go! It’s really very moving, and frequently extremely funny as well.

[@mariaclarke2018]

Great review and now I am trying to get a ticket to see it before it comes to its end. Missed it first time round at the National.

[@philipedwards439]

So much good theatre coming out of Sheffield the last couple of years.

[@TheatreReviewsWithPaulSeven]

I love that both Standing at the Sky’s Edge and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie were not only produced in Sheffield but are rooted in the city.

[@KimberleyMyatt]

A truly wonderful piece of theatre !

[@postmanpat2964]

I thought it was wonderful!