Public Record – The Fire Station, Sunderland

Writer: Stewart Pringle

Composer: Ross Millard

Concept and Directors: Dan Canham and Emily Lim

It’s not unusual to go to a theatre and be treated to amazing spectacle, gorgeous sets and costumes, fantastically talented performers, and be transported on the wings of drama or comedy to somewhere else for a few hours. Theatre is truly a magical art-form. However, it is rare when one genuinely feels like they are in the presence of something great, something so special that it seems like it is lightning in a bottle that could only be experienced in the here and now. Public Record is just that.

Produced in conjunction with National Theatre’s Public Acts initiative in their on-going quest to bring community into theatre and theatre to the community, this follows a community cast production based on The Odyssey that was staged at Sunderland Fire Station in 2023. Thankfully, Public Record has learned from the flaws of the previous show, and instead of trying to shoehorn local aspects into an established narrative, Public Record is 100% Sunderland.

This cleverly titled show takes the form of the recording of an album by the people of Sunderland. The 70 minute runtime is split into 12 tracks that explore different aspects not just of Sunderland and what it is to be a Mackem (a person from Sunderland), but what it is to be human. The cast is made up of people who live in Sunderland now, although many admit to not being originally born there which immediately creates a warm feeling of inclusion and community. Public Record is joyously celebratory of community and harmony all of which comes across to the audience from the very beginning. It’s almost like attending a large party where you know everyone, even if you are a complete stranger.

The “tracks” of this album include sections on birth, death and everything in between. Particular standouts are Birth Certificate which features members of the cast briefly introducing themselves and where they were born, resulting in some fascinating little stories, as well as an adorable recording of a baby born in Sunderland Royal Hospital 24 hours before the show. Conversely, we also have Death Certificate, although this actually recalls music venues, discos and nightclubs in Sunderland who are no longer with us, all accompanied by era appropriate songs.. However, real human loss is also addressed with Tribute Act which is in memory of young Sunderland singer songwriter Faye Fantarrow who sang as part of Sunderland Fire Station’s inaugural show and who was on the cusp of stardom when we tragically lost her in 2023. And what would life be without love? Although with this being Sunderland , it is actually A Love Supreme that we explore – the love of the city for its football club which is illustrated with a rousing rendition of SAFC’s anthem I Can’t Help Falling In Love (With You) lead by local musician Dave Murray.

The cast is largely made up of the local community, and they are excellent, belying their amateur status with assured line delivery, strong vocals, and brilliant dance skills (augmented by three professional dancers and local street dance school Dance Jam). The script is made up of a lot of real recollections and personal stories, which is hugely beneficial in allowing the community cast to visibly feel more at home with their lines and create a unique piece of theatre that speaks to everyone on a very human level.

Musically and technically the show is extremely impressive, but it is in the raw human connection that Public Record really shines. For the Sunderland locals, it will make you be proud to be a Mackem. For everyone else, it will make you want to be one.

Runs until 27th April 2025