Northern Rascals in Bradford

It’s not always easy growing up. Sometimes it feels like navigating a maze in the dark, trying to figure out who you are while the world keeps changing around you. This feeling is at the centre of a powerful stage show called Sunny Side, created by the Yorkshire-based performance group Northern Rascals. After a successful run in the spring, the production is heading out on an autumn tour, bringing its vital message about mental health to more people across the UK. It’s a show that blends dance, theatre, and spoken word to tell a story that many young people might find familiar, prompting important conversations that are needed now more than ever.

So, what’s the story of Sunny Side all about?

At its core, Sunny Side tells the story of a character named K. The play is set in the Calder Valley, a part of Yorkshire, and follows K on his tricky adolescent journey. After a period where the world seemed to stand still, K is struggling to find his footing. Everything that once felt normal now feels strange, and he’s finding it hard to get the emotional support he needs. This leaves him feeling lost and questioning his own identity. Imagine feeling like a stranger in your own hometown, or like you’re trying to connect with friends but can’t find the right words. That's K's world. To find himself again, he travels through memories of the past, the confusion of the present, and his hopes for the future. It’s a story about feeling disconnected and the search for a way back. This raw and honest look at the modern youth experience is what makes the show so powerful, especially for young people who might be going through something similar.

More than just a play, it's a conversation starter

This isn't just entertainment for a night out; it's a show with a mission. The team behind it, Northern Rascals, are serious about getting people talking about mental health. The whole production is a response to the growing mental health epidemic affecting so many young people today. To make sure they’re having the right conversation, they’ve partnered with Andy’s Man Club, a brilliant charity focused on preventing suicide in men. This partnership highlights a key theme of the show: male vulnerability. Talking about feelings can be tough for anyone, and this show gently but firmly pushes for more openness. Co-Artistic Director Anna Holmes explained the inspiration behind the production: "Sunny Side is a response to our personal, and the collective experiences of local young people who have grown up in the Calder Valley and in similar areas across the North. Over a period of 4 years, we’ve worked with over 1420 young people to question what home means and how our fostering environment impacts the path that we can take and the future that seems available to us. What became apparent across our research is that our young people are anxious, trapped and overwhelmed by an ever-changing world where our future seems difficult to place. Sunny Side is a response to that. The show prompts conversation on vital topics, questioning why is there a mental health epidemic in young people? Why is suicide the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, particularly of young men? Why does that seem even more apparent in a small Yorkshire town that is celebrated for its liberal and progressive environment? How can we fix it? Sunny Side may not provide the answer, but it provokes conversation and provides a vital, urgent insight into the internal world of our young people."

How did Northern Rascals make it so real?

The story of K isn't just something the writers imagined. The production was four years in the making and is built on the real-life experiences of over 1,420 young people from across the UK, aged between 14 and 30. The Northern Rascals team collected these stories to create something truly authentic that people could connect with. This dedication to real testimony is why the show resonates so deeply with audiences. They use what's called interdisciplinary work to tell the story. That just means they mix different art forms together. Instead of just acting, the performers use dance and spoken word poetry to express the characters' feelings. This blend creates a unique and emotional experience, showing the inner world of young people in a way that words alone sometimes can't. It’s this creative approach that allows them to tackle sensitive topics and raise awareness in such an impactful way, encouraging people to seek support.

Who's behind the scenes?

A show this powerful needs a talented team. The cast and creatives have worked together to bring this important story to life. Here are the people involved:

• Cast: Sam Ford, Sophie Thomas, Ed Mitchell
• Creatives: Co-Artistic Directors Anna Holmes and Sam Ford, Acting Coach/Dramaturg Geoffrey Colman, Set Designer Caitlin Mawhinney, Lighting Designer Barnaby Booth, Digital Designer Aaron Howl, Production Manager Adam Goode, and Composer Wilfred Kimber.

This dedicated team has shaped every part of the performance, ensuring it handles the subject of mental health with care and honesty.

Thinking of going? here's what you need to know

The autumn tour will bring Sunny Side to several new locations, giving more communities the chance to see it. It's a great opportunity for people to experience this moving production and support the conversation around mental health. Tour Dates and Venues:

Date	City	Venue
12th September 2025	Barnsley	Barnsley Civic
30th September 2025	Salford	New Adelphi
2nd October 2025	Bath	Bath Spa University
12th November 2025	Bradford	Kala Sangham/Bradford Arts Centre

A quick heads-up on the age guidance: the show is recommended for ages 14 and up. This is because Sunny Side explores serious themes related to mental health, loneliness, and the pressures young people face. The production also uses haze and flashing lights. The running time is 85 minutes, giving audiences a powerful, focused experience. This isn't just a play; it's a starting point for dialogue and a show of support for every young person navigating their own adolescent journey.