I'm an American, living in the UK, who has a lifetime of passionate theatre going. By the end of act one, Standing At the Sky's Edge was firmly placed in my top 5 theatre experiences of all time. So devastatingly human and a huge achievement for British musical theatre. I sincerely hope this show has the chance to be seen by as many people as possible, and celebrated for the miracle that it is.

I saw it at the Crucible in Sheffield. There was something extra-special about watching it with the home crowd and getting all the local references and in-jokes (including the obligatory reference to Henderson’s Relish, a Sheffield institution). Glad to hear it travels well, though, because it was a fabulous night out for us. For me, there were two singers who really stood out. I also loved having the orchestra on display in one of the flats upstairs, rather than hidden away in an orchestra pit.

I saw it last night on it's last show. I just want to go back again this evening! I was so utterly moved. So beautiful

I agree with most things that have been said here and the comments below. I've been fortunate to see the show three times. Once in Sheffield and twice at the National Theatre. As a Londoner I was introduced to the music of Richard Hawley some 15 years ago and the thought that his music would be used in a 'musical/theatre' show, filled me with elation, then dread. How will it work? Will it stand beside Mamma Mia, We Will Rock You and all those other 'boppy' shows? Of course I needn't be worried. I can't explain to those who have never seen it what a fantastic show this is. It sits so well at the National Theatre as it did at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield and I suspect there won't be too many venues where this show could work as well. The singers are amazing especially the women. Beautiful voices. And when they all sing together it really packs a punch. It really is worth going back over a few old albums of Richard Hawley to see where and how this all started. Coles Corner and Ladies Bridge are two I would listen to followed by Trueloves Gutter (As the Dawn Breaks and Open Up Your Door) and of course Standing At The Sky's Edge itself. I for one would love to see this show run and run! Thank you.

Truly special show, emotionally wrecked at the end of act 1. Been a long time fan of Richard Hawley and his music and so very special for the songs to be given such amazing life and setting. Bravo

I saw this in Sheffield at the Crucible and as much as I enjoyed it it really looks glorious there at the National, thanks for the pics. Gutted to be missing it there. Thrilled that you enjoyed it too. Check out the cast recording, and you may find that one or more of those tracks IS lodged in your head somewhere. I would bet on 'Standing at the Skys Edge' and 'As the dawn breaks' at the very least 😀

Wow, that's a great review! I am from Sheffield and have been a Richard Hawley fan for a long time. I saw the first run of Standing at the Sky's Edge some years ago at The Crucible. I thought it was great but there is something about seeing videos on You Tube of my home city being represented at The National Theatre in London which makes me feel more emotional for some reason, things that are familiar to me like the flats and an actor in the blue and white stripes of Wednesday. Strange perhaps but true!

I was caught off guard and got teary also. I think the music is perfectly suited for the type of audience that would go see this kind of show, I don't think people are really that interested in boppy. The music definitely grows on you after a few listens I would say.

I wish I could see this show (I'm in the US). It sounds magical. Any chance of a pro shot, do you think?

bound to transfer to another WEST END theatre

I was in this show and your comments are great, however, Sheffield never had a mining industry, it’s all about steel. The husband is a steel worker not a miner. Sorry to correct you

I found it dull and flat

Could only listen to half of this..... the upward inflection over and over and over and OVER?? Too irritating to listen to for more than a few minutes. It's ridiculous, and pretentious and insulting to the listener.... you don't have to ASK us if we know what lighting is? You don't have to check we understand..... STOP IT IF YOU WANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY

I agree with almost everything you say about this incredible show (and particularly about Faith Omole who is a generational talent as both actor and singer - like a young Judi Dench with the singing voice of Gladys Knight). I've seen it twice now and would also say that the stage design, choreography, and overall direction contribute to the show's magnificence, which brilliantly combines the epic and the intimate within a single set. Really loved the way the large ensemble cast was used to instantly transform the stage from the confines of a small council flat to a bustling city street. Not sure what you mean about the songs though. As a long-time Richard Hawley fan Coles Corner, Open Up Your door, and (especially) Tonight the Streets Are Ours have always been personal favorites. It was wonderful to hear them reinterpreted here (big nod to musical supervisor Tom Deering and other cast members Baker Mukasa and Maimuna Memon). Richard's music was the original motivation for this show being put together after all and show stoppers from elsewhere like Over the Rainbow, Music of the Night or I am Telling You I'm Not Going aren't notable for their bopability. It is true that despite a long career as a live performer and album artist his often introspective and emotionally intelligent songs have never bothered the ephemeral and largely promotionally driven reaches of the singles charts much. This may also be why they provide such a resonant foundation for the grown-up, superbly rounded piece of theatre that this production is.