A man stands looking away from the camera - he is wearing a tracksuit stop and trousers. He's looking at a football stadium from the pitch, and is surrounded by white.

11 May 2025

The 56

LUNG

‘Nobody dies in football matches'

Event Details
Date 11 May 2025
Times 2pm
1hr15 show + 45 min Q&A
Location Loading Bay
Ages 14+
Access
  • Wheelchair user access

Staged on the 40th anniversary of the fire, LUNG’s award-winning play pays tribute to the fans who lost their lives at Valley Parade in 1985.

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

LUNG’s powerful piece of documentary theatre pays homage to the supporters who lost their lives in one of the darkest days in British footballing history. Adapted solely from real-life testimonies, The 56 explores solidarity, strength and community in the face of overwhelming tragedy.

Bradford 2025 is proud to stage this rehearsed reading on the 40th anniversary of this momentous event in the history of our city.

About Lung Theatre

Founded in Barnsley in 2014, LUNG is a campaign led arts charity, working UK wide to make hidden voices heard. Based in Yorkshire, they are Creative Associates with the National Theatre and partners with The Lowry in Salford.

Find out more at www.lungtheatre.co.uk

A riveting account”
British Theatre Guide ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sensitively handled by a company to watch”
The Stage ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Access

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If you have any questions or would like to join the scheme, contact our Ticketing team on [email protected]

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