Students at Sheffield Hallam University are putting on a show that celebrates the joy of being creative and the thrill of working together, after a year of lockdown learning

Press contact: Greg Mattocks-Evans | g.mattocks-evans@shu.ac.uk

The production, Awakenings, is a colourful, fun and original outdoor show, to be performed in the Sheffield Institute of Arts courtyard, Pond Street, between Thursday 24th - Saturday 26th June.

The performance is the result of a partnership between students and Buxton-based professional theatre company, Babbling Vagabonds, experts in creating outdoor performances and working in Covid secure environments with stories rooted in folklore and fairy-tale, often told by using puppetry, mask and storytelling.

The story tells of a young girl on a quest for the truth. On her journey she meets others who are also looking for answers... and some mythical creatures too.

Ashley Barnes, deputy head of the department of humanities at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “This is a great opportunity for students to hone their craft with a professional theatre company and to learn how they make their work.

“However, it’s not just acting students that have been involved. The desire to come together as a creative community has certainly been felt by students from across all of the creative degrees with over 50 students volunteering from actors to writers, fine artists to animation, journalism to photography and many more.”

Second year acting student, Callan Swain, has had a hand in making props for the show.

He said: “I decided to get in there and to try different stuff. It has given me a different and valuable appreciation of what happens backstage”.

Kaitlyn Halsall, a first-year game art student said: “I wouldn’t normally have the chance to work on something like this, so it has been very enjoyable to work with Mark and Tara from the Babbling Vagabonds Company.”

Tara Hornsey-Saunders, co-founder of Babbling Vagabonds said: “This project is an opportunity for us to share our skills and knowledge of making outdoor theatre, with students from many different courses.

“It’s been great to work with the students and we’ve been really impressed with their creativity and enthusiasm”.

Performances are family-friendly and last for an hour. Tickets are free, but due to Covid restrictions, these will be limited to 30 per performance and only available in advance of the show.

The performance dates are:

• Thursday 24 June, 7pm
• Friday 25 June. 4pm and 7pm
• Saturday 26 June, 2pm

Book your tickets here