RISE was an open-air spectacular inspired by the people and places of our district. Created by award-winning director Kirsty Housley with Bradford-born magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo), RISE celebrates the magic of Bradford – and, above all, the people who make it what it is.

This dazzling show featured a 200-strong cast, including professional performers and the people of Bradford. There were aerialists, projections, music from a huge community choir and orchestra, and much more – including, of course, some breathtaking magic.

With DJ and food stalls creating a true festival vibe in the heart of the city, RISE was the unmissable opening to Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. An historic moment for our district – a true tribute to the people and communities who make Bradford magic.

Kirsty Housley is a director, dramaturg and writer. Recent work includes: ECHO (Royal Court/LIFT as dramaturg); Drive Your Plow Over The Bones Of The Dead (co-director, Complicité, 2022/23); Jekyll & Hyde (National Theatre tour, 2024 and 2022); The Long Goodbye Livestream (Riz Ahmed/MIF/BAM, 2020).

Watch our interview with Kirsty Housley.

From sold-out arena shows to Sunday Times bestsellers, award-winning documentaries to numerous awards, the legacy of Bradford-born Steven Frayne (previously known as Dynamo) has impacted millions of people all across the world. Across his formidable career, he has won the Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year in 2015 and the Magic Circle’s Maskelyne Award for Performance. Steven’s on-screen career has been equally impressive, receiving three BAFTA nominations and winning two Virgin Media awards, with 1.8m tuning in to watch the opening episode of his Sky Original show Beyond Belief.

Kirsty Housley
Director

Steven Frayne
Creative Lead

Lina Johansson
Movement Director

Jean Chan
Production Designer

Matt Daw
Lighting Designer

Gareth Fry
Sound Designer

Nina Dunn
Projection Designer

Milla Clarke
Costume Designer

Rosie Elnile
Costume Co-Designer

Kirsty Taylor
Dramaturg

Sameena Hussain
Community Co-Director

May McQuade
Community Co-Director

Nabeela Ahmed
Writer

Kemmi Gill
Writer

Kenzo Jae
Writer

Ben Crick
Composer

Alice Phelps
Vocal Arranger

Jae Depz
Composer and DJ

Matt Hellyer
Production Design Associate

Tom Elderfield
Magic Consultant – Steven Frayne