Sheffield Theatres' virtual world premiere of play set in Sheffield

‘The Band Plays On’ by Chris Bush will be filmed at the Crucible Theatre and will be available to stream online from Monday.

The play weaves together stories of solidarity and survival from the Steel City, soundtracked by new versions of classics from some of Sheffield’s most celebrated artists, including Def Leppard, Arctic Monkeys and Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker.

Directed by Crucible artistic director Robert Hastie and from the team that brought you Standing at the Sky’s Edge, The Band Plays On is a rousing night of extraordinary tales and live music.

An Olympic hopeful. A political car crash. The fallout from a fictional nuclear winter. Funny, moving and often unexpected, these episodes from our past might start to show us a way forward.

Dan Bates, chief executive of Sheffield Theatres, said putting the play online is a ‘great opportunity to reach more people’.

He said: “Delaying some of our work and moving some online gives us a great opportunity to reach more people and share amazing theatre across the globe.

“Since March last year our work has been significantly reduced. We have tried to re-open three times and each time it has coincided with another lockdown.

"However, we haven’t lost our spirit. Our thanks go to the Government’s Culture Recovery fund, to Sheffield City Council and to the generosity of our audiences for their financial support over this time – it has been invaluable.

"This support means that when it is safe to do so, we will be ready to create more incredible productions for our audiences and for our city.”

Monologues of Sheffield strength will be punctuated by songs from some of Sheffield’s best-loved bands and artists.

Featured songs will include ‘I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor’ by Arctic Monkeys and Sing it Back by Moloko amongst many others.

You can purchase a ticket to watch the premiere at 7.30pm on Monday, March 15, or purchase an On Demand pass for 3 days access at a time that suits you from Tuesday 16 until Sunday, March 28

Tickets to watch the show online are available to purchase now at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.