Sheffield Theatres has released rehearsal images for the world premiere of Living, a new state‑of‑the‑nation drama by award‑winning Sheffield playwright Leo Butler and directed by Abigail Graham. The production runs at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse from 14 March to 4 April 2026.
The cast features Harki Bhambra as Rajesh and others, Michelle Bonnard as Jules and others, Samuel Creasey as Mike, Kenny Doughty as Brian, Andrew Macklin as Sean and others, Melina Sinadinou as Maya and others, Abby Vicky‑Russell as Rebecca and Liz White as Kathy. Across the 55‑year span of the play, the company of eight brings to life more than 30 characters.
Set in Sheffield in 1969, the play follows Kathy and Brian as they move into a large house on Burngreave Road. With two babies on the way and their future ahead of them, the couple must navigate five decades of change. As history unfolds around them, from shifting social attitudes to political upheaval, the play explores whether their home and family can withstand the pressures of time.
Leo Butler said, “Set in a family living room in Pitsmoor, Sheffield, where I grew up, LIVING spans five decades from the 1970s to now. It’s shaped by politics, humour and resilience, and it’s the most ambitious and personal play I’ve written. I’m delighted to be working with such a brilliant cast, director Abigail Graham, and the whole creative team at Sheffield Theatres to bring it home for Sheffield audiences.”
Director Abigail Graham said, “It’s a privilege to be directing the world premier of LIVING. Leo has written an often hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking love letter to community and female resilience. It’s the best new play I’ve read in years – it’s epic and intimate, it’s full of hope, and it offers audiences the sort of night out you can only have in a theatre.”
Sheffield Theatres Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman said, “LIVING feels like such an important play for us to be making at Sheffield Theatres this year. Leo Butler is an extraordinary Sheffield talent, and he has never had a play produced on our stages. It felt vital to include his work about his city in my first season as Artistic Director. I cannot wait for audiences to experience his writing and his collaboration with the mighty Abigail Graham. She is leading a brilliant creative team and the most wonderful company of actors are bringing Leo’s words to life.”
The creative team includes set and costume designer Sarah Beaton, lighting designer Matt Haskins, sound designer Annie May Fletcher and video designer Dan Light. Movement and intimacy direction is by Angela Gasparetto, with casting by Sophie Parrott, fight direction by Bret Yount and wigs, hair and make‑up by Darren Ware. Gitika Buttoo serves as associate director, with Georgie Botham as assistant director.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
