STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE

How does it feel to win this award tonight?

It’s really special, yeah. I feel like special recognition from Sheffield, from where the show emerged and where it belongs, that’s really important to us. The show started here, it’s about Sheffield; it’s very much grounded in its roots. We’ve obviously talked about the West End transfer, but this story is very much a Sheffield one.

What does Sheffield mean to you as a team?

I mean, it’s home. And I think also it’s a place that doesn’t like to shout about itself. I feel like Sheffield has an attitude of knowing it’s great, so it doesn’t really need to tell you in a way that some places do *cough* … Manchester … *cough*. But I think it’s nice to do things like this which acknowledge that, actually, maybe we could afford to be a bit louder in terms of shouting about the world-class art we make here.

I imagine there have been a few, but what have been your highlights for the show so far?

January’s closing night here in Sheffield this year. Or, actually, opening night all the way back in 2019 when the show was totally new and nobody knew much about it. You know, new musicals are hard, so you have no idea until you put something on its feet in front of an audience if it’s going to sink or swim. I remember the amazing response being the most extraordinary feeling; it felt like we were floating.

Congratulations! How does it feel to win?

It feels great! To win Best Cultural Experience in Sheffield is an amazing feat, so we’re very, very proud and very chuffed right now.

What were the highlights of the season for you?

Standing at the Sky’s Edge has got to be a massive winner for us; it’s something that we started in 2019, brought back this year and then it transferred to the National Theatre in London. 100,000 people have seen it so far, and they’ve seen a very Sheffield story! From Park Hill to Sheffield, then to London and the West End in 2024. We’re so excited to see the story get told on such a huge stage!

What big productions are coming next?

Miss Saigon is up next, the much-loved legendary musical. It’s the first time that anybody has been able to rewrite it, and we’re very excited. Thousands of people have already booked, so if you haven’t got your tickets for, now is your time to get them!