The 56 was developed with The Lowry and The Civic, Barnsley

Written by Matt Woodhead and Gemma Wilson

“Nobody dies at football matches in fires. It doesn’t happen.”

At 3.40pm on May 11th 1985, a small fire broke out in the main stand at Bradford City’s Valley Parade football ground during the last game of the season. Within four minutes, the wooden structure was ablaze.

Adapted solely from over sixty real-life testimonies, this bold and pertinent piece of documentary theatre pays homage to the supporters who lost their lives in one of the darkest days in British footballing history.

On the 31st anniversary of the disaster, The 56 examines the solidarity, strength and community in the face of overwhelming tragedy.

Founded in Barnsley in 2016, LUNG frequently performs and develops new work with The Lowry, Battersea Arts Centre and The Civic in Barnsley. LUNG are dedicated to producing new verbatim theatre as well as collaborating with new writers. Back home up north, LUNG also pursues an extensive education programme which specialises in bringing theatre into new communities across South Yorkshire.