Sanctuary

Traditionally, churches across the world have offered sanctuary to those seeking safety from persecution. But how do we react when that ideal becomes a reality?

When Alland, a young Iranian man, begs to be given sanctuary at St Mary’s church in a northern town, it sparks a community to react in all the ways each member believes to be right. Molly, a young worker there, joins forces with vicar Fiona to resist both the angry vigilantes and the hard-hearted authorities beyond the church walls to try to protect Alland.

Holding a special community service where voices on all sides sing their songs of redemption and condemnation, Fiona asks the question to everyone present: do we give Alland over to the State or live up to our well-versed ideals of compassion?  

Sanctuary is a brand-new musical that welcomes us in and asks the question: do we want safety and freedom for only ourselves, or for us all? A vital story of one man’s hopes for help and support in a time when not all strangers are welcomed.

With a chorus drawn from students at Wakefield’s CAPA College, Boff Whalley (We’re Not Going Back) and Sarah Woods’ musical mixes hard-hitting ideas with memorable melodic tunes and harmonies.

Come on in – the Service is about to begin…

Book, music and lyrics by Sarah Woods and Boff Whalley
Directed by Cheryl Martin

Find out more about the show in our Q&A with Red Ladder's Artistic Director, Cheryl Martin.