a dance-theatre show by
northern rascals
SUNNY SIDE
TOURING IN 2025 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ANDY’S MAN CLUB
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?
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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
SUNNY SIDE is a raw portrayal of the modern young male experience, informed by the experiences of over 1,000 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.
★★★★
“pure contemporary magic”
Theatre and Tonic
2025 TOUR DATES
““
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
Collaborative Dance Artists (Autumn Tour) Sam Ford, Ed Mitchell, Sophie Thomas
Original Collaborative Dance Artists Soul Roberts, Ed Mitchell, Sophie Thomas
Rehearsal Director Grace Ford
Digital Artist Aaron Howell
Set Design 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
Sam Ford
Dance Artist
Sam was born in the London borough of Croydon in 1995. His upbringing was one that was full of love, good food, and imaginative child’s play in ‘Ford’s Forest’ (his back garden).
At the age of 15, Sam joined the BRIT School in Croydon where he intensively studied all dance styles under the guidance of some of the countries best practitioners. Completing his A levels at the school, Sam continued his dance studies and began his degree at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, graduating with a 1st class degree in Contemporary Dance.
Upon graduation, Sam left Yorkshire for London to join Edge, the post-graduate company of London Contemporary Dance School. Sam has since enjoyed a successful performing career with companies such as Rhiannon Faith, Avant Garden Dance, Barnaby Booth and English National Opera.
Ed Mitchell
Dance Artist
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
Dance Artist
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
