A new musical,featuring songs by native son Richard Hawley tells the story of Park Hill, the so-called Brutalist housing complex in Sheffield.
Written by Chris Bush, Standing at the Sky’s Edge takes its name from Hawley's 2012 album and brings to life the stories of three families on the estate through three generations in the 1960s, 1980s, and 2000s.
Open dress rehearsals took place on Thursday, as reported by The Guardian newspaper, which heard from 87-year-old Kathleen Hill, one of the estate’s first residents. She loved the show, not least because it brought back rich memories.
"One couple in the musical moves into the estate in 1960, which was the same year I did," said the former Park Hill resident.
"The husband is a steel worker like mine was, and it reminded me so much of the time we spent there - the community where we raised our three boys, where everyone knew everyone else and you never had to lock your doors."
Those three boys, now in their 50s, were also present to enjoy the musical.
The Brutalist Park Hill complex, opened in 1961. In 1998 it became Grade II listed, making it the largest listed building in Europe, according to the Yorkshire Post.
The musical can be seen at Sheffield Crucible from April 6.
