Why the Northern Rascals 'Sunny Side' Returns for a 2026 Tour Tackling the Unspoken Men's Mental Health Crisis

Talking about feelings isn't always easy, especially when you're a young lad trying to figure out your place in the world. It’s a time filled with ups and downs, a bit of a rollercoaster really. But what if there was a way to explore all that stuff—the anxiety, the feeling of being a bit lost, the search for who you are—without having to say a word? That's exactly what the Yorkshire-based performance group Northern Rascals are doing with their incredible show, Sunny Side. They're back on tour this April, bringing a powerful mix of dance, theatre, and spoken word to the North to get people talking about the often-unspoken crisis of men's mental health.

What is Sunny Side all about?

Imagine being a teenager. It’s a bit of a whirlwind, right? One minute everything’s brilliant, the next it feels like the world is ending. This tricky time, the so-called adolescent journey, is at the centre of Sunny Side. The show dives headfirst into the messy, confusing, and sometimes scary world of growing up as a young man in today's society. It tackles some pretty big themes that many people will find relatable, whether they're 12 or 62. The story explores the deep-seated anxiety that can bubble up when you're trying to meet everyone's expectations. It looks at the feeling of disconnection, that sense of being on the outside looking in, which is something many young men experience. And it confronts the big one: the identity crisis of trying to figure out who you are meant to be.

Photos (Katie Ho (@ohkatiee_)

But the Northern Rascals don't just stand on stage and talk about it. They use a powerful combination of art forms to tell their story. Through high-energy dance, they show the turmoil and energy of youth. Through compelling theatre, they create scenes that everyone can connect with. And with sharp, insightful spoken word, they give voice to thoughts that are often kept hidden. It’s this unique blend that makes Sunny Side so special, turning a complex issue like men's mental health into something raw, accessible, and deeply moving. It’s a show that captures the pressure cooker of modern society and its impact on young men.

More than a show, it's a conversation

What makes this tour even more significant is its partnership with ANDYMANSCLUB. For those who don't know, ANDYMANSCLUB is a fantastic men’s suicide prevention charity. They run talking groups for men all over the country, creating safe spaces where lads can open up without fear of judgment. It’s all about showing that it’s okay to talk.

This collaboration between Northern Rascals and ANDYMANSCLUB is a perfect match. The Sunny Side tour isn't just about putting on a great piece of theatre; it's about starting a vital conversation around men's mental health. By working with a leading suicide prevention charity, the show becomes part of a much bigger mission. It highlights the struggles that can lead to feelings of despair, like anxiety and disconnection, and points towards the kind of support that organisations like ANDYMANSCLUB provide. It’s a brilliant way to use art to break down stigma and encourage young men, and everyone else, to look out for each other and seek help when they need it. The tour aims to bring the important subject of men's mental health out into the open.

The Sunny Side tour is coming to the North

After a successful run, the Yorkshire-based Northern Rascals are bringing Sunny Side back to its roots in the North for a 2026 tour. This is a chance for local audiences to see a powerful show that speaks directly to the experiences of young men in our communities. The tour will be stopping at several towns across the region, making it accessible to as many people as possible. If you’re looking for a night of incredible dance and thought-provoking theatre, this is one you won’t want to miss.

The tour kicks off in April, with a key date at the Stockton Arts Centre on Friday 10th April. It’s a great opportunity to see this timely exploration of men's mental health in a fantastic local venue. Here are the places the Sunny Side tour will be visiting:

• Friday 10th April ARC, Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1LL

• Friday 17th April Bradford Arts Centre, St Peter's House, 1 Forster Square, Bradford,BD1 4TY

• Wednesday 22nd April Civic Theatre, Rotherham, Catherine Street, Rotherham, S65 1EB

• Friday 24th April Stephen Joseph Theatre, Westborough, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1JW

• Saturday 25th April Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD), 98 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, LS7 4BH

The return of the tour to places like Stockton, Leeds, and Bradford is a testament to the show's impact and the ongoing need to discuss the identity crisis and anxiety affecting young men. It's a fantastic opportunity for people across the North to experience this blend of dance, spoken word, and theatre.

A fresh take on a tough topic

Growing up is tough, and the pressure on young men today to fit a certain mould can lead to a serious identity crisis. That feeling of disconnection from friends, family, or even yourself is a real struggle for many. What Sunny Side does so brilliantly is take this difficult adolescent journey and turn it into a compelling piece of art. It’s not a lecture; it's a story told with energy, heart, and honesty.

The use of dance and spoken word allows the Northern Rascals to express emotions that are hard to put into words, from bubbling anxiety to overwhelming confusion. The combination with theatre makes the story of these young men resonate on a human level. Even the title, Sunny Side, hints that there's hope to be found amidst the struggle. It suggests a journey towards finding the light, even when things seem dark. This tour is a crucial piece of work in today's society, offering a new way to engage with the urgent conversation around men's mental health. The upcoming performances in Leeds, Bradford, Rotherham, Scarborough, and Stockton are not to be missed.