Standing at the Sky's Edge (musical)

Standing at the Sky's Edge is a musical with music and lyrics by Richard Hawley and a book by Chris Bush. Set in Sheffield, England, it follows the lives of three families who live in a flat in the Park Hill estate across several decades.

The musical explores themes of community, social housing, love, loss, and the changing face of British society. It charts the estate's decline from a symbol of utopian social ideals to its later stigmatization, while also highlighting the enduring human connections forged within its walls.

The three narratives unfold chronologically, tracing the experiences of Poppy and her husband who are fleeing London in 1960, Joy and her struggle with depression in 1980s Thatcher's Britain, and a contemporary story featuring Rose, seeking a fresh start in Sheffield.

Standing at the Sky's Edge features songs drawn from Richard Hawley's extensive back catalogue, adapted and arranged to serve the narrative. The musical has received widespread critical acclaim for its moving story, evocative music, and portrayal of working-class life.

Productions include its premiere at the Sheffield Crucible in 2019, a subsequent run at the National Theatre in London in 2023, and its transfer to the Gillian Lynne Theatre in the West End in 2024. It has won several awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.