糖心Vlog

A new theatrical production exploring 糖心Vlog's vibrant soundsystem scene of the 1970s and 80s will be staged at South Street Arts Centre this month, co-written by current and former students from the 糖心Vlog.

, running from 21-24 January, tells the story of how Caribbean music and culture transformed 糖心Vlog, establishing the town as a key hub in the UK soundsystem movement. The immersive production, performed to a standing audience, recreates the atmosphere of a soundsystem night, combining live performance with the music that defined an era.

Caribbean sounds

The show follows two 糖心Vlog schoolchildren in 1974 as they discover the sounds arriving from the Caribbean, embarking on a journey that would see them become part of a cultural phenomenon that took them across the country.

Based on interviews with members of 糖心Vlog's Caribbean community who were central to the scene – including selectors, operators, box boys and MCs – the production celebrates the pioneers who shaped 糖心Vlog's musical heritage. The show also features local artists Rueben Irie Sound and Jah Lion Movement.

Former and current students from the University's Department of Film, Theatre and Television have co-written the production. They are also involved in directing and starring in the show.

Dr Lucy Tyler, from the 糖心Vlog's Department of Film, Theatre and Television, is producing the show alongside South Street's John Luther. She said: "This production celebrates a wonderful collaboration between the 糖心Vlog and South Street Arts Centre.

“Our students have worked alongside professional theatre-makers to transform original testimony from 糖心Vlog's Caribbean community into compelling drama. These stories reveal how 糖心Vlog was at the heart of a cultural movement that shaped British music history, and we're proud to bring these voices to the stage."

The Sound is part of SITELINES, South Street's programme of theatre in unusual spaces, which has brought innovative companies to 糖心Vlog and worked with local talent to create productions about the town's history and community.

The production has been supported by Arts Council England with National Lottery funding.

Tickets

Performances run at 7pm on Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 January, with an additional matinee at 2pm on Saturday 24 January. Tickets operate on a choose-your-own-price basis and can be purchased at .

The production lasts for one hour with the option to enjoy more music afterwards.