Sunderland will write its own history when ‘Public Record’ – a new production developed in collaboration with the National Theatre, Sunderland Culture and Sunderland Empire – transforms The Fire Station for three days in April.

The Fire Station is being turned into a live recording studio this April in order to create a new album that will be a portrait of Sunderland as told through its people. The production will be a celebration of the sound of Sunderland, depicting its unique musical heritage, life in the city, and looking forward to an exciting future. The production features a cast of over 100 people from local community groups, professional dancers, DJs, a knock-out house band and – of course – a massive disco ball.

It truly will be a special event with lots of local talent involved including Sunderland-born musician Ross Millard (The Futureheads - pictured) who has written original music for the production alongside Director of Public Acts Emily Lim, co-director and choreographer Dan Canham and writer Stewart Pringle. There’s also been a clamour from other local musicians and artists to be involved and these include folk singer Dave Murray, the peerless David & Peter Brewis (Field Music), Barry Hyde (The Futureheads), folk musician and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Hayes, Lily May – an exceptionally talented up and coming singer/songwriter from Sunderland, Naijaway Entertainment’s Afrobeats DJs DJ Bykonz and DJ Banko, Sunderland-born artist Sophie Lisa Beresford, and Makina DJ DJ Infinite.

The whole thing is being developed as part of the National Theatre’s Public Acts programme, a nationwide initiative creating extraordinary acts of theatre and community. The whole caboodle started in 2017 and at its heart lies the simple idea of connection between people, community organisations, and theatres. At a time of a diminished sense of belonging, programmes like Public Acts can create conditions for individuals to overcome isolation and build community and cohesion among participants from a wide range of backgrounds.

Emily Lim, Director of Public Acts said, “We are having such an inspiring time creating ‘Public Record’. We hope our show will do justice to the amazing passion for music and community that exists in Sunderland. It’s a show that explores what it is to live, love, lose and grow together, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

Helen Green, Sunderland Culture’s Head of Performance, said: “Sunderland, nor anywhere else, has ever seen anything like it. ‘Public Record’ is something unique and extraordinary. It is original, exciting and very emotional and we know people will leave The Fire Station having enjoyed an amazing experience – but also feeling very proud of our Music City.”

Marie Nixon, Sunderland Empire Theatre Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of this phenomenal project, which brings together communities and celebrates creativity with such heart. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and our commitment to delivering high-quality experiences that truly resonate with people.”

This year Sunderland became only the second city in the UK to designated an official ‘Music City’ (after Manchester) and events such as ‘Public Record’ can only burnish its credentials as a city that moves to its own unique beat.

Public Record, Friday 25-Sunday 27 April, The Fire Station, Sunderland, 7.30pm (plus 2.30pm Sun mat), from £6, thefirestation.org.uk