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.

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

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