Sunny Side – The Mens Health Play is Coming to Leeds

Sunny Side, the powerful new production from Northern Rascals, is coming to Leeds Playhouse from 12–13 June 2025. Exploring mental health, adolescence and change through dance-theatre, this bold Yorkshire-born piece promises to leave a lasting impression.

Combining contemporary dance, spoken word and theatre, Sunny Side centres on a young man named K as he navigates identity, isolation and emotional recovery in a rapidly shifting world. Set in a Northern town, the story is rooted in over 1,400 real testimonies from young people aged 14–30, collected over four years by the company.

“Raw honesty and social impact”

Yorkshire audiences can expect an authentic, emotionally charged performance, developed in partnership with suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club. Tackling urgent topics like loneliness, masculinity and anxiety, Sunny Side asks important questions and opens the door to vital conversations around mental health.

Co-Artistic Director Anna Holmes said: “What became apparent across our research is that our young people are anxious, trapped and overwhelmed by an ever-changing world where our future seems difficult to place. Sunny Side may not provide the answer, but it provokes conversation and provides a vital, urgent insight into the internal world of our young people.”

Leeds performance dates and access info

Performances at Leeds Playhouse take place on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 June 2025. The running time is 85 minutes, and the show is recommended for ages 14+ due to sensitive themes around mental health and societal pressure. There is also use of haze and flashing lights.

Tickets are on sale now, available here