Brought to you by Red Ladder Theatre Company in collaboration with Theatre Royal Wakefield and CAPA College
Book, music and lyrics by Sarah Woods and Boff Whalley
Directed by Cheryl Martin
Traditionally, churches across the world have offered sanctuary to those seeking safety from persecution. But how do we react when that ideal becomes a reality?
When Alland, a young Iranian man, begs to be given sanctuary at St Mary’s church in a northern town, it sparks a community to react in all the ways each member believes to be right. Molly, a young worker there, joins forces with vicar Fiona to resist both the angry vigilantes and the hard-hearted authorities beyond the church walls to try to protect Alland.
Holding a special community service where voices on all sides sing their songs of redemption and condemnation, Fiona asks the question to everyone present: do we give Alland over to the State or live up to our well-versed ideals of compassion?
Sanctuary is a brand-new musical that welcomes us in and asks the question: do we want safety and freedom for only ourselves, or for us all? A vital story of one man’s hopes for help and support in a time when not all strangers are welcomed.
With a chorus drawn from students at Wakefield’s CAPA College, Boff Whalley (‘We’re Not Going Back’) and Sarah Woods’ musical mixes hard-hitting ideas with memorable melodic tunes and harmonies.
Come on in – the Service is about to begin…
Age guidance is 13+
Running time approx. 120 mins including an interval.
