15 January 2026
A new theatrical production exploring ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's vibrant soundsystem scene of the 1970s and 80s will be staged at South Street Arts Centre this month, co-written by current and former students from the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø.
, running from 21-24 January, tells the story of how Caribbean music and culture transformed ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, establishing the town as a key hub in the UK soundsystem movement. The immersive production, performed to a standing audience, recreates the atmosphere of a soundsystem night, combining live performance with the music that defined an era.
The show follows two ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø schoolchildren in 1974 as they discover the sounds arriving from the Caribbean, embarking on a journey that would see them become part of a cultural phenomenon that took them across the country.
Based on interviews with members of ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's Caribbean community who were central to the scene – including selectors, operators, box boys and MCs – the production celebrates the pioneers who shaped ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's musical heritage. The show also features local artists Rueben Irie Sound and Jah Lion Movement.
Former and current students from the University's Department of Film, Theatre and Television have co-written the production. They are also involved in directing and starring in the show.
Dr Lucy Tyler, from the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's Department of Film, Theatre and Television, is producing the show alongside South Street's John Luther. She said: "This production celebrates a wonderful collaboration between the ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø and South Street Arts Centre.
“Our students have worked alongside professional theatre-makers to transform original testimony from ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø's Caribbean community into compelling drama. These stories reveal how ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø was at the heart of a cultural movement that shaped British music history, and we're proud to bring these voices to the stage."
The Sound is part of SITELINES, South Street's programme of theatre in unusual spaces, which has brought innovative companies to ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø and worked with local talent to create productions about the town's history and community.
The production has been supported by Arts Council England with National Lottery funding.
Performances run at 7pm on Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 January, with an additional matinee at 2pm on Saturday 24 January. Tickets operate on a choose-your-own-price basis and can be purchased at .
The production lasts for one hour with the option to enjoy more music afterwards.
We are in the process of finalising our postgraduate taught courses for 2027/28 entry. In the meantime, you can view our 2026/27 courses.
