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News • September 18th, 2026
|Sheffield’s vibrant new venue, Electric Studios, has taken a significant step forward by welcoming Stand & Be Counted, the UK’s first theatre company of sanctuary. This unique company focuses on supporting asylum seekers, refugees, and anyone in need of a safe space. The arrival of Stand & Be Counted marks an exciting new chapter for both the theatre company and the Electric Studios, expanding the creative possibilities for the local community.
New Home for Theatre
Stand & Be Counted has officially moved into their new base in the building 'Above Electric Studios', which is designed to foster creativity through performances, workshops, and collaborative projects. The addition of this theatre group aligns perfectly with Electric Studios' ambition to cultivate a hub for artistic expression and community engagement.
The venue, which opened its doors in March 2026, aims to unite touring artists, local musicians, and emerging talent under one roof. With the inclusion of Stand & Be Counted, the venue is not only enhancing its live music programme but also offering a platform for theatre and social initiatives. Thousands of people are expected to utilise the space annually, providing a vital resource for those seeking sanctuary.
Expanding Creative Opportunities
Electric Studios has undergone a major refurbishment of the former Leadmill nightclub, transforming it into a multifunctional space that combines a music venue with co-working and creative areas. Stand & Be Counted’s new home spans two floors, featuring:
Offices for administrative work
A shared studio for exhibitions and installations
A workshop area suitable for performances with a capacity of up to 60 people
This new setup allows the theatre company to engage with audiences and communities more effectively, creating a welcoming environment for all.
Community Impact
Rosie MacPherson, joint CEO of Stand & Be Counted Theatre, expressed her enthusiasm about the move:
“This is such an exciting prospect, because it gives us a home for our creative communities and a space to share our world of sanctuary.”
She highlighted the importance of stability for their projects while being part of a thriving creative community.
Electric Studios is dedicated to supporting local artists and providing free studio access for young people to help them rehearse, record, and develop new work. Alongside Stand & Be Counted, Sheffield artist Kid Acne is also establishing a base in the building, further enriching the local creative scene.
Exciting Live Events
The venue has an impressive programme of live music lined up for the upcoming autumn, including a special hometown show by Milburn on October 24, 2026, celebrating 20 years of their debut album, Well Well Well. This event is part of an eclectic mix of performances that will feature various genres, from guitar bands to electronic music.
Other notable acts scheduled to perform include:
We Are Scientists on October 3, 2026
Dusky’s Signals Tour on October 16, 2026
Channel One Sound System on November 5, 2026
Silva Bumpa’s sold-out show on November 7, 2026
Reef on November 12, 2026
Fat Dog in February 2027
These events will not only provide entertainment but also reinforce the venue’s commitment to showcasing local talent and contributing to Sheffield’s rich cultural landscape.
A Bright Future
Nicole Jewitt, Community and Arts Project Manager at Above Electric Studios, shared her excitement about Stand & Be Counted’s move, emphasising that the building is becoming more than just a space for gigs and club nights:
“We’ve now got people making theatre, running workshops, developing projects, and using the building every week alongside the live programme.”
In addition to their regular activities, Stand & Be Counted recently made headlines by breaking a world record for the longest multi-chain football scarf. In 2027, they plan to take their production Ripples, which tells a powerful true story about immigration injustice, to London’s Bush Theatre and embark on a UK tour, with performances in Sheffield set to take place at Electric Studios.
