a dance-theatre show by
northern rascals
SUNNY SIDE
Touring in 2026 in partnership with
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 portrayal of the modern young male experience, informed by the experiences of over 1,500 young people across the UK.
Combining contemporary dance, theatre and spoken word, join Northern Rascals with this socially urgent work that follows the pain and loneliness on the path from adolescence to adulthood.
2026 TOUR:
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Pay What You Decide
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Pay What You Decide
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Tickets £12 - £14
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Tickets £10 - £15
Book tickets (Wed 25 Feb for SJT Members and the general public on Wed 4 March).
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Tickets £15 - £18
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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.
★★★★
“Raw, accessible and personal”
- A Youngish Perspective
★★★★
“A timely and poignant reminder
to check in on our boys”
- The Reviews Hub
★★★★
“Performed with feeling and finesse”
- Like Nobody’s Watching
★★★★
“Pure contemporary magic”
- Theatre and Tonic
““
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.”
“A riveting piece of dance... includes taut and beautiful poetry... wonderful.”
TEAM
Creation & Direction Anna Holmes and Sam Ford
Playwright Anna Holmes
Original Collaborative Dance Artists Soul Roberts, Ed Mitchell, Sophie Thomas
Rehearsal Director Grace Ford
Digital Artist Aaron Howell
Set Designer Caitlin Mawhinney
Lighting Design and Production Manager Barnaby Booth
Composer Wilfred Kimber
Dramaturg Geoff Colman
Production Manager (Assisting) Adam Goode
Voice Actors Lamin Touray, Brendan Barclay, Jonathan Aubrey Bentley, Anna Holmes
Marketing and Social Media Jess Rooney
Press Chloe Nelkin Consulting
Photographers Elly Welford, Katie Ho
Videographer Ben Williams
2026 TOUR CAST
Angus Bartlett
K
Angus grew up in South London, where an early passion for martial arts naturally evolved into gymnastics and, eventually, dance. Beginning his journey in hip-hop, he soon transitioned toward technical movement, which led him into training at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. He later went on to complete his Master’s degree at the London Contemporary Dance School.
Since entering the professional industry, Angus has built a diverse portfolio, collaborating with acclaimed choreographers and companies, including: James Finnemore, Ben Duke, Theo Clinkard, Hagit Yakira, and Jasmin Ellis. As well as Companies like Northern Rascals and Southpaw Dance Company.
Beyond the stage, Angus has expanded his reach into film, working on a number of different dance films and choreographing music videos for artists. Currently, he is focusing on developing his own improvisation practice and establishing his voice as a choreographer.
Ed Mitchell
Danny
Born and raised in Suffolk, Ed grew a passion for both acting and dance in his youth. He later honed his interest towards dance and studied at Northern School Of Contemporary Dance, where he graduated with a First in 2020.
Shortly after that, Ed toured with postgrad company Verve and left Northern in 2021. Since then Ed has performed and taught in the UK and internationally, working with numerous of companies and artists, Including Avant Garde, Hannes Langolf, Attic Project, Bullyache, Northern Rascals, Tim Walker, Barnaby Booth, Gecko Theatre and Moonwalking Bear.
Ed made his debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company this year in Hamlet which was performed in Stratford Upon Avon.
Sophie Thomas
B, A, SHADOW OF MUM
Born and raised in England’s Lake District, Sophie’s love for dance, art and nature started from an early age. Whilst a majority of her formative dancing years took place in village halls, she furthered this learning by attending Northern School of Contemporary Dance, gaining her degree.
After graduating, Sophie continues to be based in Leeds. Her professional credits include working with Night People, Southpaw Company, and Riptide, performing at a variety of theatre venues, clubs, galleries and festivals.
She has recently been a Guest Writer for Dance Art Journal, and is continuing to explore where her interest in movement and words intersect. Following being an Early Career Artist with The Knotted Project, Sophie is investigating musicality, intricacy and what it means to be human whilst performing.
Supported by public funding through Arts Council England
