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CONTENTS COVER: MARC BARKER
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GAFFERS
Phil Turner (MD) phil@exposedmagazine.co.uk Nick Hallam (Sales Director) nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk
FINANCE
Lis Ellis (Accounts) accounts@exposedmagazine.co.uk 22. TUNNEL VISION
We kick off 2026 with Rob Lee – the brains behind some of the city’s most eye-catching public artworks. Fresh from transforming the Netherthorpe Road underpass, he talks wavez, optical illusion and why art on the street matters now more than ever.
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12. CITY VIEWS
For this month’s Steel City story, Mike Pomranz, the US-born bar owner behind The Old Shoe and Not Open; Don’t Come, reflects on moving continents and finding a fresh sense of belonging in Sheffield.
39. NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Ditch the crash diets and gym-based intimidation. We round up some better ways to feel good in 2026 – from hot yoga and mobile saunas to padel, orienteering and, erm... pickleball (it’s gonna be big, apparently).
68. ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: JESSICA AJUYAH
The artist and designer talks through The Shape of Memory – a deeply personal collection exploring womanhood, resilience and the quiet moments that shape us.
Joe Food (Editor) joe@exposedmagazine.co.uk Ash Birch (Online Editor) ash@exposedmagazine.co.uk Lizzy Capps (Content Creator) lizzy@exposedmagazine.co.uk Marc Barker (Design Dogsbody)
GI’ US A HAND PLZ
16. LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
From goosebump homecoming gigs and growing festivals to pubs done right and cultural wins worth shouting about, we look back on the moments that made Sheff shine in 2025. Then turn the page for a peek at what we’re already looking forward to in 2026.
GRAFTERS
IsobelO'Mahony, Max Hayward, Lowri Rennick
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THE BUSINESS STUFF
Exposed is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1b, 2 Kelham square Kelham Riverside Sheffield S3 8SD The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Blind Mice Media Ltd and while every effort is made to ensure information throughout Exposed is correct, changes prior to distribution may take place which can affect the accuracy of copy, therefore Blind Mice Media Ltd cannot take responsibility for contributors’ views or specific entertainment listings.
WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 9
PALM SHEFFIELD OFFICIALLY IN FULL BLOOM PALM - CARIBBEAN GARDEN BAR
CARIBBEAN SOCIAL Since opening its doors in Kelham Island, Palm, Caribbean Garden Bar has quickly established itself as one of Sheffield’s most talked-about new venues. Bringing a much needed burst of colour, warmth and Caribbean energy to the city, Palm has been packed with guests soaking up the sunshine vibes, even on the greyest of days.
WELL-SEASONED BARS // @lili_takesflickis Sheffield bassline icon K Dot celebrated his Exposed cover in style, shutting down Urban Burger on Eccy Road with a surprise set and meet-and-greet. Keep ‘em peeled for some exciting moves from one of the city’s biggest MCs in 2026…
WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 11
CITY VIEWS STO RIES F RO M T H E H EART OF T HE ST E E L C I T Y
MIKE POMRANZ OWNER OF THE OLD SHOE AND NOT OPEN; DON’T COME AS TOLD TO JOE FOOD PHOTO: @MARCABARKERPHOTOGRAPHY
I was born in St Louis, Missouri, technically in a place called Chesterfield – which I always find funny now, having ended up in this Chesterfield-adjacent part of the world. I moved around a lot growing up. Philadelphia, Los Angeles for university, back to Philly, then New York, Brooklyn specifically. Somewhere in there I lived in Fort Lauderdale for a year, my parents ended up in Seattle, and my sister’s near San Francisco. I’ve seen a lot of the States. I met my wife, Claire, at two in the morning in a bar in Manhattan. I was in New York playing a gig, and afterwards a friend dragged us to Greenwich Village because bars stayed open until 4am. We walked into this completely empty place, go upstairs and there were four women. One of them is now my wife. So, that was that. Claire’s from Sheffield. Her dad came here for university, fell in love with the place and never left. So when we were together, we’d come back regularly to visit him, and I just immediately liked Sheffield – from the very first visit. I’m American, so there’s already a natural fascination with UK culture baked in. But I was also a beer writer, a bar guy, and I fell in love with cask ale and British pubs straight away. People always go on about the Peak District, but honestly – fuck the Peak District, man. I’m scared of heights for starters. Just take me to another good pub. Kelham Island Tavern, The Rising Sun on Fulwood Road, places like that. That was how I fell for Sheffield. I’d been a beer journalist before I was a bar owner. I even convinced a US publication to print the full cask list from The Rising Sun. Being here at a time when things like Thornbridge’s Kipling were setting the standard for cask was huge for my education: it genuinely shaped how I think about beer. I’d been visiting Sheffield since around 2008, so by the time we moved here it didn’t feel totally alien. We had a choice: New York to London, or New York to Sheffield. Our son was just two months old, and Sheffield felt like somewhere you could 12 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
WHAT DREW ME TO SHEFFIELD WERE TRADITIONAL PUBS, AND NOW I RUN BARS THAT ARE PRETTY AMERICAN IN STYLE. BUT WHEN I GO OUT DRINKING, I STILL WANT PLACES LIKE THE UNION – PUBS THAT FEEL LIKE THEY’VE ALWAYS BEEN THERE, THE KIND THAT MAKE YOU THINK YOU’RE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE EVEN THOUGH YOU’RE ACTUALLY IN NETHER EDGE.”
raise a family. It’s hard to separate becoming a parent from moving cities – they happened at the same time – but Sheffield felt manageable in a way New York simply didn’t anymore. However, there are similarities people don’t always see. Brooklyn is very neighbourhoodbased, very post-industrial. Kelham Island isn’t aesthetically that different from parts of Williamsburg. Sheffield terraces sometimes remind me of Philadelphia row houses. You can easily walk between places. Areas have their own distinct identity. I’ve been here nine years now. I’m a dual citizen, which I love, and I’ve seen the city change massively in that time. Kelham Island used to be surrounded by empty lots and wasteland. When we opened The Old Shoe, it was the up-andcoming place in town. Now the city centre’s where things are happening. The numbers being done in town right now are insane, and we’ve just had a record-breaking week of takings. That shift wasn’t planned, but we landed in the right place. What’s funny is that what drew me to Sheffield were traditional pubs, and now I run bars that are pretty American in style. But when I go out drinking, I still want places like the Union – pubs that feel like they’ve always been there, the kind that make you think you’re in the countryside even though you’re actually in Nether Edge. It’s a welcoming city, but it’s also protective. Once you’re in, that protectiveness becomes a support network. Being an outsider has helped me see the place more clearly, but you also have to respect what already exists. You can’t just turn up and do it ‘the Brooklyn way’ – and I wouldn’t be dumb enough to try that. Sheffield’s given me opportunity, but it’s also grounded me. It’s forced me to reckon with who I am and where I come from. It lets people be themselves without making a big deal of it. You don’t have to be better. You don’t have to be massively different. You can just be. And for me, after everywhere I’ve lived, that’s kind of everything.
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PHOTO: @LILI_TAKESFLICKIS
Recent events hint at the potential of the famous Sheffield building, currently undergoing renovation by developers Urban Splash. with old-school bangers. Sunday went full rave, with nightlife institution Kabal taking over the venue, showcasing the likes of Toddla T and his Steeze Factory special guests, plus MC talent from Slam Barz and Pipes & the FMG. It’s not just been about parties, though. Over the past year, Cole Brothers has showed its potential as a cultural playground. Sensoria’s Light Organ
So what’s next? Full plans for 2026 haven’t dropped yet, but we’re watching closely. Head to urbansplash.co.uk for the latest info and find out how to have your say.
PHOTO: @LILI_TAKESFLICKIS
PHOTO: CUBED THINKING PR
Cole Brothers is back – and a buzz is starting to grow. The doors of the iconic Grade II-listed building that once housed John Lewis (and before that, the OG Cole Brothers) have been flung open once more, not for last-min Crimbo shopping and nostalgic trips down the famous escalators, but for art, music and proper Steel City energy. Regeneration specialists Urban Splash have spent 2025 breathing new life into the landmark, showing us what’s possible before full redevelopment kicks off. And if the recent events are anything to go by, the future looks pretty bright. To cap off the year, Coles played host to a festive weekender that felt like a love letter to the city. Their ChristmUS at Coles party saw none other than Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley together on the decks – and the following night, Pete McKee’s Christmas Youth Club Disco brought the makeshift dancefloor alive
turned sound into sculpture. They also became a key venue of podcast festival Crossed Wires, bringing the likes of Greg James, Sara Cox and Andy Burnham to record live in the building. Oh, and there’s now a massive new mural by Kid Acne brightening up the Cross Burgess Street side of the building. Just in case you missed the memo: Cole Brothers is alive and kicking.
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2025: THE GOOD STUFF It’s that time of year again – when we ask Exposed editor Joe Food to sift through the past 12 months and pick out bits that didn’t just make him smile, but did something genuinely good for our fair city too. From homecoming gigs and fresh festivals to much-loved pubs reborn and new spots worth raising a pint to, here’s the stuff t’owd lad liked – and we reckon you probably did too.
THE FARGATE
Let’s be honest, the long-promised revamp of Fargate has so far been a lot of rubble, fences and a fair bit of squinting to imagine the end result. That is, until Thornbridge rocked up with a two-floor flagship venue and gave proceedings a shot in the arm. There are the brewery’s hallmarks of polished wood, brass fittings and frosted steins of Lukas as you enter, with a more modern feel and delicious artisan pizzas doing the rounds upstairs. A hopeful sign of better things to come for one of town’s main thoroughfares.
TRAMLINES 2025
Of course, Pulp headlining Sheffield’s biggest music festival down at Hillsborough Park was always going to be a tap-in. Still, it wasn’t just a nostalgia victory lap for one of the city’s most famous exports. Local talent was on show all over the gaff, whether that was K Dot shelling it down in front of 6,000 on T’Other Stage or, over in town at the Fringe Festival, Femur dominating an absolute sweatbox of a show at the Shakey. Bring on 2026's shenanigans.
LICK OF PAINT FEST
The local street art scene has been popping for donkeys’ years, so the arrival of Lick of Paint – a dedicated festival championing artists and commissioning new walls across the city – felt long overdue. Taking place on 6-7 September, the weekend saw around 15 artists painting live across the city centre, Kelham Island, Castlegate and beyond. Alongside the fresh murals, the programme stretched from live DJ sets to graffiti battles, turning the city into an open-air gallery with good vibes throughout.
ROCK N ROLL CIRCUS
Hang on – Queens of the Stone Age at Don Valley? Joshua Homme and co. kicking around Attercliffe, vaping in their leather jackets outside The Carlton? It all sounded like madness, but RNRC pulled it off. The Queens played two raucous nights on the trot before handing headline duties to the equally capable Reverend and the Makers celebrating 25 years, rock ballad aficionado Bryan Adams and Britpop legends James. Another solid instalment from a festival growing in stature year on year. 16 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
KAPITAL
Opening in the summer, Kapital brought European beer hall energy with a dollop of Sheffield soul to town. From the team behind Two Thirds Beer Co, the two-floor, 4,500-square-foot venue pairs industrial chic design with warm social buzz, not to mention a welcoming wraparound beer garden and 33 – count them – 33 taps. Highlights include unpasteurised Czech tank Pilsner from Budějovický Budvar and possibly the best Sunday roasts in town. A solid addition to the bar scene that already feels like part of the furniture.
THE GOOD, THE GREAT AND THE DOWNRIGHT GOOSEBUMP-INDUCING THE EXPOSED AWARDS 2025
Alright, yes – soz for bigging up our own night. But it really did feel like a proper love letter to Sheff this year. Peddler Warehouse was packed and buzzing, while Hop Hideout, No Name and Caffe Tucci took home some well-deserved trophies (my humble opinion). Hope Works made a hugely emotional sign-off speech and Malah Palinka got the everyone up and dancing with a superb finale. Throw in the chaotic afterparties at Factory Floor and Yellow Arch, and yeah… we’re counting it as one of the year’s best bits. Gotta back yoursen, ’ant tha?
MERCHANTS HOUSE
One of our most reliable ‘shall we just have one?’ spots of 2025, Merchants House quickly became a regular post-work haunt for the Exposed team. From the gang behind Alder, this bar just off Mowbray Street blends continental flair with laidback local energy, serving sharp cocktails, spritzes under a tenner and Spanish-leaning small plates built for sharing. Polished but never try-hard, it’s the kind of place you plan to pop into and end up staying all evening (as we discovered on a few occasions).
THREE TUNS
Shiny new openings are all well and good, but breathing life back into a historic boozer hits different. Dating back to the 18th century, the Three Tuns on Silver Street Head has finally found its feet thanks to Jim Butterell and team, following years of stop-start reopenings. The beautifully restored flat-iron pub now pulls in packed-out supper clubs, vinyl nights and quizzes, and the place feels like it has legs again. Here’s hoping it sticks – it deserves to.
GET TOGETHER HITS FIVE
Five years in, Get Together felt like a proper ‘we did this’ moment for the team in 2025. What began as a DIY all-dayer dreamt up on a walk down Burton Road has grown into one of the city’s most distinctive festivals. This year’s edition upped the ante, with sets from English Teacher, Moonlandingz, Katy J Pearson and BC Camplight, plus plenty of additional highlights along the way, from exclusive artworks by Cold War Steve to DJ sets that kept things ticking over into the wee hours.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Another strong year from Sheffield Theatres, continuing their run under the fresh direction of artistic director Elizabeth Williams. There were plenty of highlights – from the tender heartbreak of Dancing at Lughnasa to an innovative production of Little Shop of Horrors – but for me, the standout A Streetcar Named Desire. Intense and compelling, with costars Jake Dunn and Joanna Vanderham in blistering form, it was proper edge-ofyour-seat stuff at The Crucible. WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 17
COMING SOON What do a parade of lions, a controversial club revamp and some very colourful dungarees have in common? They’re all coming to Sheff in 2026. From million-pound makeovers to long-awaited openings (and re-openings), the city’s got a packed to-do list next year – and Isobel O’Mahony’s been nosy enough to go poking around it early. Here’s a quick look at what’s en-route… ELECTRIC STUDIOS
Electric Studios taking over the Leadmill building has already stirred plenty of controversy. Managed by Brixton’s Electric Group, the venue owners have promised advanced lighting, big acts and a new d&b audiotechnik PA system – but can it live up to the sticky-floored, fiercely local legacy of the Leadmill?I guess we'll soon find out.
EVENT CENTRAL
That massive empty building you keep passing on Fargate? That’s multipurpose space Event Central. In August, it was revealed the budget for the revamp had doubled to £14.1 million, so the 200-person live event room and multiple office spaces should be worth the wait when it opens towards the end of year.
LUCY & YAK
Next to the former Monki and Weekday stores, the ‘comfy and cosy’ clothing brand is bringing colourful dungarees and sustainable fashion to Sheffield. Calling over-the-road town Barnsley home, the store will finally grace the city centre after delaying its original opening date.
CASTLE VIEW PARK
Castlegate will be gaining a whole new park in 2026. The site has been under development since 2021, with aims to bring a bit of green to the area as well as expose the remains of Sheffield Castle for the first time.
PRIDE OF YORKSHIRE TRAIL
Sheffield Children’s Hospital is roaring into 2026 with a lion sculpture trail dotted around South Yorkshire to raise funds for their charity. The free public art exhibition will feature 150 lions and 150 lion cubs in celebration of the hospital’s 150th anniversary.
HARMONY WORKS
The repurposing of the 1895 Grade IIlisted Canada House by the University of Sheffield will create a ‘new cultural/ education centre for young musicians’. Just off the tram stop at Ponds Forge, it’s already opened its doors for the first time in 15 years for fundraising and tour events.
S1 ARTSPACE
Celebrated arts organisation S1 Artspace will be moving operations to a majorly refurbished space in the former Yorkshire Bank on Haymarket. With support from the council and the Architectural Heritage Fund, it hopes to establish a lively exhibition schedule and a permanent home for its artists.
MARIA
The duo behind Bench and The Pearl are heading to the city centre with an Italian restaurant inspired by family, food and a few chaotic summers in Sicily. Named after co-founder Ronnie’s nonna, Maria will bring southern European flavours and that signature Bench hospitality to the Heart of the City development. Expect a galley kitchen, seasonal small plates and, crucially, a strong £5 negroni. Yer can't whack that.
ARUNDEL EMPORIUM EVENTS SPACE
Music store Record Junkee has taken over the events space at Matilda Street’s Arundel Emporium, transforming it into a vibrant hub for performances. Expect a mix of live music, masterclasses and creative gatherings within the Emporium itself.
WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 19
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Tucked away just off Trippet Lane in Sheffield city centre, Unit Digital is a creative marketing agency with a fresh new addition: Unit Studio – a stylish, multi-purpose space geared towards podcasts, video and photography.
Known for their savvy approach to marketing ambitious brands, the team marked the launch with a sleek rebrand and a good knees-up to celebrate. When Exposed popped by last month, a few stray balloons from the party lingered in the corner of a room that nicely blends relaxed comfort with high-spec production facilities. But behind the slick visuals is a story grounded in practical growth. Co-owners Jimmy Hughes and Chloe Rudd started the agency in 2022, with Chloe joining three months after Jimmy set the wheels in motion. “We really fully established this in June 2022,” Chloe tells Exposed. “We both had a strong marketing background, so it started as the marketing agency. Jim oversees the web side of the business, and I oversee the marketing side.” From there, Unit grew quickly – mostly through word of mouth. “All of the businesses we worked with initially were small and we could just tick along,” Chloe explains. “Then as they grew, we were like, ‘Oh, it’s a bit too much work for just us two,’ so we added and added and added, and now we’re a busy team of 13. It’s absolutely skyrocketed considering we don’t do any external marketing.” That same proactive energy led to the formation of Unit Studio. The top floor of the building was previously sublet, so when the space became available the team decided to invest and make it their own. The result is a versatile, high-spec space for creatives, businesses and individuals looking to produce audio-visual content – without the usual barriers of time, budget or technical knowhow. “The idea is people can come in with their concept, sit down and talk in comfort, and I can live edit in the session,” says Ben Dyson, Unit’s visual and audio engineer. “They can then leave with a fully edited podcast the same day.” And that, in short, is the appeal of Unit Studio. It’s not just a room with mics and cameras; it’s a fully supported creative service from start to finish. “People can just focus on their content,” adds Ben. “I can do the technical stuff that they 20 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
don’t need to learn or worry about.” Alongside the technical perks – like live camera switching, quality microphones and professional lighting – there’s a consultancy aspect baked into the process. “Because we are first and foremost marketers, we tend to have quite a good consultation with clients,” says Chloe. “By the time Ben and Sophie go on location or they come into the studio, we know exactly the angle, what we’d recommend for length, for speaking, all that kind of thing is covered.” Sophie Barker, creative operations manager, highlights some of the additional services on offer: “There’s a lot of add-ons that you can choose, as well as the copywriting, the scripts, things like that. So if anyone needs anything – social media edits, subtitles, TikTok cuts – we can do that.” The response to the new space has already been positive, with early interest from businesses, local creatives and even agencies further afield. “We had so many people turn up to the launch – plenty of people we’d never met before, which was amazing,” says Chloe. Though podcasting is a key focus, the studio is just as equipped for other creative outputs, from headshots and product photography to talking
PEOPLE CAN COME IN WITH THEIR CONCEPT, SIT DOWN AND TALK IN COMFORT, AND LEAVE WITH A FULLY EDITED PODCAST THE SAME DAY.”
heads and campaign videos. “Pretty much, if you can think of it, we can find a way to do it,” says Ben. “We’ve also got a mobile setup. If people can’t make it here or need a backdrop that really works where they are, we can go to them.” It’s that adaptability – coupled with the personal, problem-solving approach – that defines what they’re all about. “We’re just creative problem-solvers,” says Chloe. “The whole team attitude is just: right, how will we get this done?” This attitude extends across the agency, where relationships are key. “People can get in touch with us very easily and directly,” says Jimmy. “We trust the staff, and we trust the team here to get the job done.” Chloe agrees: “There’s no account manager. We’re all on that level – professionals, experts – and we’ll talk directly to you.” For businesses or individuals sitting on podcast ideas or video campaigns, the message is simple: get the ball rolling. “I think if you’ve got an idea, you have to go for it,” says Chloe. “And if it’s well thought out, well planned, well executed, you’re not going to fall into the sea of podcasts already out there.” Jimmy adds: “Yes, you can do it at home, and yes, you can do it on your phone, and if that works for you, fine. But what we offer here is a bit more of a refined product, plus you’ll benefit from all of the expertise that’s in-house.” Unit Studio is now open for bookings, with introductory offers available for those looking to record in January and February. Whether you’re launching your first podcast, filming a brand campaign or need standout product shots, Unit Studio is a place where you can focus on the message while the team take care of the rest. FIND US @unitstudiosheffield unitstudio.co.uk hello@unitstudio.co.uk
WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 21
COVER: ROB LEE
AS EXPOSED ROLLS INTO 2026, WE’RE KICKING THINGS OFF WITH ONE OF SHEFF’S MOST RECOGNISABLE ARTISTS. ROB LEE IS THE MIND BEHIND SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE MURALS – IMMERSIVE WORKS OF GEOMETRIC ABSTRACTION, PATTERN AND OPTICAL ILLUSION THAT STOP PEOPLE IN THEIR TRACKS AND MAKE TIRED SPACES FEEL BRAND NEW. DRIVEN BY A BELIEF THAT ART BELONGS IN THE PUBLIC REALM, HIS WORK HAS BECOME PART OF THE CITY’S VISUAL FABRIC. FRESH FROM TRANSFORMING THE NETHERTHORPE TRAM STOP UNDERPASS, WE SAT DOWN WITH ROB TO TALK WAVEZ, VISUAL RULES AND WHY ACCESSIBLE ART MATTERS NOW MORE THAN EVER. WORDS:: JOSEPH FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: @MARCABARKERPHOTOGRAPHY
How would you describe your work, and has that description changed over the years? It varies a little, but primarily it’s geometric abstraction – also minimalism, pattern and optical illusion. I guess for years I called it abstract geometry, until I actually discovered the term geometric abstraction. It’s a bit of a journey, learning and discovering more and more about the visual language... and there’s still so much to learn! On that note, how does optical illusion as a visual language help you communicate with people in public spaces? I believe optical illusion in the public realm is a powerful tool for engagement, as it requires a level of interaction from the viewer that doesn’t exist in 2D or standard murals. It’s my hope that by having to ‘work’ to witness the piece in its truest form (by this I generally mean standing in the correct spot), the viewer will take something extra away with them – whether that be a hidden meaning, a very personal response or simply the satisfaction of seeing the work in the way it was intended. Was there a particular moment in your career where you felt your visual style really clicked into place? From the very beginning I decided on my visual style, and I feel I’ve stuck to it throughout. I set myself strict rules to adhere to, which was tough when starting out straight into commercial and private commissions – I was building my portfolio but also having to answer specific briefs. But I feel that’s the beauty of abstract art; you can interpret a brief and visualise a meaning or concept through shape and colour. Specifically though, with my signature style – the ‘wavez’ – I’d been playing around and experimenting digitally with those sorts of patterns for some time. Then the commission for the Cupola Gallery in Hillsborough
22 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
came along. It was called Four Jerseys and was a celebration of the Tour de Yorkshire passing through Sheffield. I designed a mural of four cyclists wearing the four Tour de France jerseys. The wall had this extra lower section to the right – I wanted to create an abstract representation of hills for it, so I created this plateaued wave-type pattern in yellow and green, with blended highlight and shadow tones. It blew me away how 3D it looked, which was confirmed when I published the work and read people’s responses. That’s definitely when it clicked, and I’ve been pretty obsessively exploring the effect ever since! Could you tell us a bit about growing up in Sheffield, and how the city influenced you creatively or culturally? Well, I actually grew up in Dronfield. I’ve always said I’m from Sheffield simply because it’s easier than explaining I’m from a sleepy little commuter town just south of Sheff – plus I was born here and have spent over half my life living here now. But yeah, I have many fond memories from childhood coming into town with my mum. I’d definitely say the architecture was the most influential – from the water tower near Graves Park, to modernist and brutalist structures like the electricity substation (my favourite building), Park Hill flats, Cole Brothers, the old Roxy, the Grosvenor Hotel, the Arts Tower, etc. I was pretty fascinated by these man-made structures. That, and regular family visits to the Peak District, formed a passion for nature. I didn’t know it at the time, but these two aspects of Sheffield massively informed the work I create today. What was your first reaction when you got the commission for the Netherthorpe underpass? Did the location or brief spark any immediate ideas? The commission was a call-out from the good folk
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COVER: ROB LEE
OPTICAL ILLUSION IN THE PUBLIC REALM IS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR ENGAGEMENT, AS IT REQUIRES A LEVEL OF INTERACTION FROM THE VIEWER THAT DOESN’T EXIST IN 2D OR STANDARD MURALS.”
behind the Lick of Paint festival. The brief kind of spoke to me, and I’d always wanted to paint something with such immersive potential, so I had to go for it. My immediate thoughts were that I really wanted to do something with the column-like brick features. The mural combines stitching, weaving, reflections and your signature wavez – how did you go about balancing these different elements into one cohesive piece? To be honest, I designed this while I was in the midst of painting the huge Hills piece on the back of the Wellington Street NCP, alongside the legend that is INSA, so I didn’t have as much time for site visits etc. It was really hard to mock up each section from the photos I’d taken – near impossible to see how the central section would work alongside the end sections, for example. It came down to the knowledge of how simple geometry can complement each other, and the colour palette to tie it all together. Were there any specific influences – artistic or cultural – that fed into the patterns or colour palette you chose? Initially I wanted to create a wall that looked like woven fabric, so I did some research into textile patterns and how the stitches interacted – that formed the loose idea of the pattern I ended up working with. The base colour palette of green, orange and purple was fixed, as it was linked to two other murals completed by Sheffield Hallam Uni students some months before. I just added more tones of each colour for it all to flow better. The design process can often be quite a drawn-out affair, but I sent off my first designs and the response was one of excitement... so no more revisions were required, which was highly pleasing!
The mural seems to respond directly to the architecture of the space, especially the sloped walls and columns. How much did the physical structure shape your design? In a word – completely! My work is bespoke and generally site-specific, and this one is the perfect example of that. These designs just wouldn’t work on different surfaces. That underpass is now like no other. Painting on 48-degree slopes sounds brutal. How did you work around that? Can’t lie – it was by far the most uncomfortable and awkward commission I’ve ever worked on. I was really naive coming into it. Because it’s all ground level, after working on the scale and height of Hills, I thought it’d be a cinch – but I was very wrong. You basically couldn’t reach the top half of the wall, so I had to lean ladders up against the surface, which of course completely blocked where I needed to paint. I had to shuffle along bit by bit – it felt never-ending. By the end, I felt like some sort of tunnel dweller (like a troll … I imagine lots of folk saw me that way too). It was a whole new process of working. I ended up designing and building this little table, which I could attach higher up the wall to place all my cans on. This made the process a lot more efficient, and I ended up enjoying it... just a shame I thought of that when it was about 70% complete! You mentioned how heartening it was to receive encouragement from passers-by – do any particular moments or comments stand out? Yes! That was the really special thing about this one. I’ve
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COVER: ROB LEE
never had such immediate positive feedback. Endless positivity – it really kept me going. So many people, of literally every demographic, simply saying “beautiful” or “thank you”. Toddlers and kids telling me to keep going, old ladies singing their praise, giving me Lucozade and biscuits, and even young people who never normally say a thing. I ended up having loads of chats. It was all so nice. I think the thing that stuck with me the most was young lasses saying they now feel safe to walk down there at night, when otherwise they’d choose a different path. This, I feel, is pretty big – and shows the impact art can have on society. It’s extremely rewarding. I’ll take this opportunity to thank every single person who spoke to me and complimented the work – you’re all awesome. Especially Chris, who gifted me a box of Peroni – legend! There’s something powerful about public art being seen and shared by people who wouldn’t necessarily step into a gallery. How do you see your role as an artist in public spaces? This is something I’ve felt stronger about year on year – public art is so important. A gallery on the street that anyone from any demographic can experience, no entry fee, no discrimination. The potential to inspire the younger generation, the potential to put a smile on someone’s face who otherwise may not be in the happiest of places. It’s taken many years of learning what my role is on this planet, but I feel I’ve found it now. With this project now complete, what do you hope the local community takes away from it? What do you want people to feel when they walk through? I guess just a sense of happiness – I hope it’s uplifting for everyone. I really like the idea that an entire space can be
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transformed for good. I can only hope it’s received that way. I put my heart into it, and a massive amount of time. I was close to quitting at one point, to be quite honest – obviously I never would have – but to get to the end, and see it at night in particular, I was buzzing! I hope people feel the same. Finally – what’s next? Are there any upcoming projects in Sheffield or beyond you can tell us about? I’ve a fun job happening for the lovely Sharrow Vale Community Association – and the Sharrow Vale community, of course – which I started just before Christmas, actually. Then a sweet little commission for the Hallamshire Hotel on West Street. I also still have to paint my two lions for the Pride of Sheffield, which is exciting. Other than that, I have a couple of small-scale private commissions, then there are the various street art festivals I’ve applied to or am yet to apply to. And an endless backlog of personal projects I never seem to find the time to work on... And who knows what else... roll on ‘26! Wishing everyone an awesome one! Big love! robleeart.co.uk // @roblee_art
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FOOD & DRINK
Palm brings Caribbean cool to Kelham with cocktails, culture and a snazzy makeover Kelham Island’s newest arrival, Palm – Sheffield’s first Caribbean Garden Bar – opened its doors last month with a packed-out VIP launch and plenty of buzz. The £500,000 venue made an immediate splash, pulling in a crowd from across the city’s sport, media and business scenes for a night of cocktails, food and first looks. Among the guests were 90s supermodel Heather Stewart-Whyte, ex-Owls and Leeds defender Jon Newsome and Miss South Yorkshire herself, Whitney Dsane – there to toast what’s shaping up to be a welcome addition to the Kelham/ Neepsend area. Guests explored the tropical-inspired space, sipped signature cocktails and got a first taste of the Caribbean-meetsSheffield menu. It’s been developed by
Tom Wells-Lomas, working alongside a Caribbean chef on the team to bring depth and flavour to the offering. Alongside the main launch, Palm has wasted no time rolling out its Bottomless Brunch – and it’s already catching on. Think: bright, leafy interiors, a menu that blends classics with subtle island twists, and bottomless rum punch, fizz and cocktails to get the weekend started properly. Bookings are filling up fast, and the team say they’re “genuinely buzzing” with the early response.
Palm 92 Burton Road, S3 8DA palmsheffield.com @palmbaruk
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The Canary @ Olive Lane TAKE A STROLL DOWN OLIVE LANE – THE GLEAMING HIGH STREET AT THE HEART OF WAVERLEY’S NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT – AND YOU’LL SPOT THE CANARY, A SLEEK BAR BRINGING WARMTH, ENERGY AND A PROPER NEIGHBOURHOOD FEEL TO WHAT WAS, UNTIL RECENTLY, AN EMPTY PATCH OF LAND WITH A STORIED PAST. WORDS: JOE FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: MARC BARKER
The development sits on the site of the infamous Orgreave Colliery, and this stylish new spot wears that heritage with pride – there’s even a painting of Arthur Scargill to the left of the bar – all while keeping its focus firmly on the here and now. It’s the first bar to open on Olive Lane, and it’s already playing a part in feeding the area's growing social buzz. Despite being a microbar in name, The Canary doesn’t feel small in spirit and is far more spacious than you might imagine. There’s wraparound outdoor seating, a snazzy tiled bar front and centre, warm amber lighting and a laidback vibe throughout. High stools and contemporary design give it that city bar polish, but there’s no pretension here – dogs are welcome, families are welcome and you’re just as likely to find an old lad sipping an ale and reading the paper at 2pm as you are to catch revellers dancing to funk & soul on a Saturday night. Bar manager Niall sums it up well: “We had regulars from day two, which is really good. People have welcomed us into the community – and we’ve tried to return the favour by listening to what they want. One local asked for a specific wine, so we ensured it became a permanent fixture – it's even become a bestseller!” There’s a big emphasis on people here – both behind the 30 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
bar and in front of it. The staff are clued-up, the welcome is friendly and there’s a genuine village feel that comes from the fact many of the DJs, artists on the walls and punters live just around the corner. The drink offer isn't shabby either. Expect a rotating line-up of craft beers, three hand-pulls and a carefully curated wine list. There’s a neat little cocktail menu too, designed in-house by team member Isobel, who knows her way around a shaker. That's set to expand with masterclasses and events as the venue grows. And it really is growing. Since opening in September, The Canary has hit the ground running with a busy events calendar: vinyl takeovers where residents bring their own records to spin, wine and cheese nights, a resident magician and quizmaster, pop-up food vendors three nights a week, and regular Friday DJs to bring the weekend in with a flourish. From Wednesday to Sunday, there’s always something happening, and there’s a real sense that things are just getting started. The outdoor space is pulling in punters on milder evenings, and the team are excited for their first full summer. “We caught the end of some good weather in September,” says Niall, “but next year, it’ll really come alive.” Waverley itself is on the cusp of big change. Over 2,000 new homes are still to be built, a
Marriott hotel is in the works, and Olive Lane is taking shape with a small plates restaurant (Mono Malo) and coffee spot set to open soon. Add in the neighbouring Indian restaurant, Karobar, and you’ve got the makings of a night out without needing to head into town. “The dream,” says Niall, “is that people start making the trip out here from the city. It’s only a 15-minute cab, and it'll soon have even more on offer.” It helps that the people behind it have form. Though they’re keen to let this venue stand on its own, it’s the latest venture from a small team with experience running other bars around the city. They know their beer, they know what makes a place tick and they’re passionate about creating something that serves local residents while bringing in customers from across the city. The ethos is simple: it should feel like your mate’s living room, just with better drinks and a sound system. It's the sort of place you could bring your mum for a quiet one on a Sunday, but you’d just as happily bring your pals for a proper session on a Friday evening. Casual, cool and proudly community-led – it's exactly what this long overlooked corner of South Yorkshire has been crying out for. @the_canary_olive_lane
FREAK STREET CAFÉ’S NEPALESE-STYLE MOMOS EACH MONTH, EXPOSED TUCKS INTO SOME OF THE BEST SCRAN IN SHEFFIELD AND FINDS OUT WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD. THIS MONTH, WE’RE UP IN WALKLEY SPEAKING TO GREG WALKER AND LINDA HENNESSY, THE CO-OWNERS OF FREAK STREET CAFÉ – A COSY, COMMUNITY-MINDED SPOT SLINGING OUT BOLD SOUTH ASIAN FLAVOURS AND ONE VERY MOREISH SPECIALITY.
So, what are momos? Just a big dumpling, right? Greg: Pretty much, yeah – similar to a Chinese dim sum kind of dumpling. They originate from Tibet, made their way south into Nepal where they became really popular, and then from Nepal into India. Now they’re everywhere over there – like a really popular fast food. The idea behind momos is that it’s a sharing food. Filling, cheap and very adaptable. We do our own take on them. Everywhere in the world there’s some kind of version of dumplings. Pierogi, gyoza, mandu in Korea, ravioli is kind of like it – all cultures have some equivalent. It’s like people just instinctively know to wrap tasty stuff in dough.
And how did you end up bringing them to Sheffield? Greg: I was travelling in India and Nepal, and met this Nepali couple who were obsessed – having them two or three times a day. At first I wasn’t massively bothered, but then I started getting quite addicted. When I got back, I was like, I’m gonna have to learn how to make these things.
So Freak Street was born from that? Greg: Yeah – first thing we did was a mate’s wedding. We offered to do some food as a gift, and it went down a treat. Then it was a few markets, like down at the Abbeydale Picture House, and we did Sharrow Festival. Then we started Secret Garden up at the Hallamshire – food, music and a great vibe. That’s when it really started to happen. Eventually we found this place and just thought, maybe it’s time. And the name? Bit of a nod to the roots? Greg:Yeah, there’s a street in Kathmandu nicknamed Freak Street. In the 60s it was the end of the hippie trail – people would end up there buying hashish and getting momos.
Still all about the momos or has the menu grown? Linda: We’ve kept the South Asian street food vibe but added loads more – curries, samosa chaat, small plates, loads of vegan stuff. We rotate stuff on the menu quite often. Not a totally new menu every week, but there’s always something different on. How’s Walkley taken to it? Linda: From day one, it’s been brilliant. We had people queuing out the door on opening night – in January as well, which is always scary. People round here want something different. Every time we were trying to get any work done in here before we opened, people were knocking on the door asking what was going on. It’s been pretty steady ever since. Follow: @freakstreetcafe Pop in: 282 South Road, Walkley, S6 3TB WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 33
FOOD & DRINK EACH MONTH, EXPOSED WRITERS SHINE A LIGHT ON THEIR FAVOURITE LOCAL BUSINESSES – JUST DOING OUR BIT TO SPREAD THE LOVE, LIKE.
GOOD FOR THE SEOUL WORDS: ASH BIRCH
Bringing the spirit of Seoul to Furnival Gate, Joomak is a vibrant Korean kitchen and bar serving bold, shareable dishes and late-night energy. Part kitchen, part bar, Joomak blends traditional flavours with modern flair – and it’s fast becoming one of the city’s best-kept dining secrets since opening in October. Taking its name from Korea’s casual drinking dens, Joomak, delivers comfort
food classics, K-pop playlists and an unmistakable sense of fun. The space itself is vibrant, with bold orange seating, neon wall art and retro grabber toy machines that give the place a playful energy. At the heart of it all is the food. Everything is cooked fresh to order, bursting with flavour and perfect for sharing. The Korean Fried Chicken – crisp, glazed and addictive – is a runaway
customer favourite, served alongside bulgogi beef, kimchi pancakes, steaming hot pots and house-made pickles. Generous portions and punchy flavours are the name of the game, and there are plenty of vegan-friendly options to keep everyone happy. The venue thrives on a sociable, shared style of eating, where tables fill with dishes and chopsticks fly. It’s a true reflection of the Joomak spirit – relaxed, boisterous and full of laughter. Latenight openings and a drinks list stacked with Korean soju, beer and cocktails make it a go-to for after-hours bites and casual hangs. PS: beyond the dine-in experience, Joomak also offers outside catering and packed lunches for events or corporate clients – just give them a bell or drop them a line on socials to get involved. Joomak, 32 – 34 Furnival Gate, S1 4QP 0114 698 7110 @joomak.uk
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MORE OF THE SAME?
Love learning about Sheffield independents? We’ve put together a book with loads of ’em crammed in. The Little Book of Sheffield celebrates the people, places and organisations that make this city tick – and you can grab a copy from mezepublishing.co.uk for just £12.50. Bargain, if you ask us.
THAT’S THE SPIRIT WORDS: JOSEPH FOOD
When husband-and-wife duo John Cherry and Cynthia King launched Locksley Distilling back in 2013, they had one simple aim: to create spirits with real character – honest, flavourdriven and proudly independent. Tucked away in a Grade II listed corner of Portland Works – a site steeped in Sheffield’s manufacturing history – we popped by on a chilly Thursday morning to find the team deep in prep for a tasting event, surrounded by botanicals, bottles and a lovely whiff of blood orange and cardamom in the air. The brand first made waves with Sir Robin of Locksley, an off-dry gin inspired by South Yorkshire folklore and one of the first of its kind on the UK market. From there, the range has grown to include Very Special Old Tom (a punchy navy-strength take on the classic style), a raspberry and cardamom edition, and an expanding family of liqueurs – Morocello, a blood orange twist on limoncello, is a current favourite. There’s also a collection of award-
winning collabs made with fellow Sheffield indies: the chocolate and coffee liqueurs – produced with Bullion Chocolate and Foundry Coffee Roasters – go down particularly well during a Friday wind-down. But what really stands out at Locksley is the collaborative ethos. Their Co-Lab series brings together chefs, producers and creatives to make one-off spirits
rooted in provenance, sustainability and, above all, good taste. Recent highlights include an oyster shell-infused Amaro with Bench and a heather and bilberry gin made to mark the Crucible Theatre’s 50th anniversary. On top of their own output, the distillery also undertakes bespoke contract work for other small brands, producing spirits to spec without compromising on quality. Every bottle is distilled, labelled and finished in-house, and it shows. If you fancy getting hands-on with the process yourself, Locksley offers regular masterclasses and tasting events. Visitors can tour the working distillery, learn about botanicals and flavour pairing, and even create their own custom gin to take home – an alternative night out where you can learn new skills and get a bit boozy while doing so. Win-win! Portland Works, S2 4SJ locksleydistilling.com @locksleydistilling WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 35
the bar is available for private hire
2 1 R o t a t i n g C r a f t Ke g L i ne s / / Win e s Spi r i t s & N o n-Al cohol i c B e e r s 85 SIDNEY STREET, S1 4RG // 0114 303 9390
FOLLOW US @INDUSTRYTAPSHEFFIELD
FOOD & DRINK: AUX BON VIVANT
BON APPÉTIT, SHEFFIELD!
WORDS: LOWRI RENNICK
A family-owned French café, Aux Bon Vivant has landed on Campo Lane, serving up delicious small plates, fine wines and cooking classes – all seasoned with a serious love for life’s pleasures.
A gourmet French café has opened on Campo Lane in Sheffield, promising Michelin-grade small plates, wine tastings, cooking classes and more. Zara and chef Pierre met in the French Alps and bonded over a shared love of good food, great wine and life’s simple pleasures. Now married, the pair have brought their skills across the Channel and back to Yorkshire, where they’ve launched Aux Bon Vivant – a stylish new space that blends continental flair with local charm. “Aux Bon Vivant means to enjoy the pleasures in life,” explains Zara. With hearty dishes served us by Pierre – whose previous experience includes Michelin-starred restaurants – carefully sourced (primarily French) wines and quality British produce from independent suppliers, there’s no shortage of indulgence on offer. Their tapas-style plates – known in France as l’apéro dînatoire – feature charcuterie, meats, cheeses and other traditional French delicacies, all served in a relaxed, sociable setting. In the new year, Pierre hopes to introduce a nine-course wine tasting evening each
week, pairing handpicked wines with an evolving small plates menu. Many of their wines will come from independent UK suppliers, with plans to invite winemakers to lead tastings and share their knowledge. “The space is quite large and open – it’s really nice,” says Zara. “We’d like to have something with live music eventually, and we plan to do an opening event around January.” Live music is surely Sheffield’s love language, and paired with plans to offer European beer tastings for those less wineinclined, it seems Zara and Pierre know the way to local hearts – Frenchman and Yorkshireman alike. Their final gift to the community will be Pierre’s cooking classes, bringing people together through the most global language of all: food. “It’s a massive thing in French culture that, even though the presentation is beautiful, taste is key. You add the real ingredients.” Aux Bon Vivant is open at 27 Campoa Lane Tuesday to Wednesday from 9am to 5.30pm, Thursday until 7pm, and Friday to Saturday until 8.30pm. @auxbonvivant
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12b Deepdale Business Park | Buxton Road | Bakewell | DE45 1GT T: 07854 383681 Monday-Saturday: 8am-7pm | Sunday: 9am-5pm
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WHO LUMIOX CAN HELP
WHAT WE OFFER
LumiOx is for anyone ready to recover, repair, and perform at their best. o Athletes and active individuals improving recovery and performance
At LumiOx, we combine advanced wellness technology with a calm, restorative environment to help you recover and perform at your best.
o Professionals battling fatigue, stress, or burnout
o Red Light Therapy – boosts cellular repair and skin rejuvenation
o Individuals recovering from illness or surgery
o Ice Therapy – supports circulation and muscle recovery
o Infrared Sauna – reduces inflammation and promotes detoxification
o Those managing pain, inflammation, or injury
o Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – enhances oxygen delivery for deep healing
o Women navigating perimenopause or menopause
o Better Pelvi – strengthens the pelvic floor and core stability
o Anyone seeking better sleep, focus, and energy
LumiOx helps your body do what it’s built to do - heal, restore, and thrive.
Each treatment is science-backed, designed to help you Recover • Repair • Relax.
WELCOME TO SCULPT WELLNESS STUDIO
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At Sculpt, we believe in making Reformer Pilates accessible to everyone. Perfect for newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike, our classes are designed to challenge, inspire and support you on your wellness journey. Whether you’re in our Reformer Room or Mat Room, you’ll meet ISSUE........................... PROOF NO. ................. our friendly instructors and become part of a community that prioritises physical and mental wellbeing.
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Let’s be honest – “New Year, New You” is a phrase that’s been through the wringer. It’s been cross-stitched onto gym towels, printed on ridiculously large water bottles and shouted at us by every other advert since Boxing Day. But here’s the thing: January doesn’t have to mean crash diets, CLUB DE PADEL intimidating weight racks or Tennis and squash had a baby – and squeezing into Lycra for a 6am it’s called padel. Fast-paced, social gym session before work. and ridiculously fun and social, it’s one of the world’s fastest-growing Instead, we’ve rounded up a bunch sports, and Club de Padel is riding of Sheffield-based ways to feel the wave right here in Sheffield. better in your body and brain – no Launched in 2025, the new club bootcamps or side-eye from PTs has transformed a once-abandoned required. Whether you want to warehouse at Cannon Brewery into sweat it out in a 38°C yoga studio one of the UK’s slickest indoor padel or throw yourself into an icy barrel spots – complete with five panoramic laid-back social spaces, in the Peaks, there’s something courts, showers, changing rooms and a swish here for every vibe, ability and little shop to boot. attention span. Never played before? No stress. The So this year, sack off the pressure. rules are a mix of tennis scoring and Try something fun, weird or squash-style rebounds off the walls. be rallying in no time – and wonderfully different. You’ll probably addicted by the end of your Your 2026 glow-up starts here… first game.
A guide to alternative fitness and wellbeing in Sheffield
Book a court: clubdepadel.co.uk
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HEALTH AND FITNESS
PEAK PICKLEBALL
Never heard of pickleball? You will soon. Already massive in the US, Oz and Asia, this fast-growing racket sport is tipped for Olympic status by 2032 – and Sheffield’s ahead of the game with one of the UK’s first dedicated pickleball centres. Owned and run by local couple Gina Floyd and Hannah Adams, Peak Pickleball is the first centre of its kind in the North – and it’s open to everyone. Think tennis meets badminton meets table tennis, played with carbon fibre paddles and a plastic ball, mostly in doubles. Sessions range from total beginner to advanced, plus coaching, leagues, tournaments and regular free intro nights (Wednesdays, 6pm). No partner? No problem. Just book your level and they’ll match you up. There’s also a café, court hire and plenty of spectator space if you’re just there for the vibes. Get stuck in: peakpickleball.co.uk
OXYHEALTHCARE
From a single clinic to the UK’s largest hyperbaric oxygen wellbeing network, OxyHealthCare is one of Sheff ’s newest success stories – and it’s changing how people across the country support their recovery and build resilience. The journey began with a cancer diagnosis of someone close to local businessman Paul Milligan, which in turn led him to explore supportive options alongside NHS care. One stood out: a widely recognised oxygenbased wellbeing approach, used internationally across sport, performance and recovery settings*. After seeing the life-changing results first-hand, he teamed up with Ian Bateman, a seasoned practitioner with over two decades in health and wellbeing, to make supported sessions more widely accessible. The result was OxyHealthCare – a homegrown brand built on real science, professional experience and a mission to support individuals seeking improved wellbeing, resilience and recovery from everyday physical and mental demands. Just one year after launching its first location in Chesterfield, the company now runs eight centres across the UK. At its heart is the national headquarters in Chapeltown – home to ten oxygen chambers, a dedicated athlete recovery zone and more than 200 fivestar reviews. It’s the largest facility of its kind in the country. Oxygen-based wellbeing sessions work by supporting oxygen exposure in a pressurised environment, which many people incorporate into their wellbeing and recovery routines. OxyHealthCare now supports individuals with a wide range of wellbeing goals, including post-illness and post-treatment recovery aims, alongside their existing medical care. With new locations opening in Derby, Glasgow and Long Eaton, the momentum is building – and the goal is clear: 100+ centres across the UK. And it all started here in Sheffield. Book a session at the UK’s largest HBOT wellbeing centre: oxyhealthcare.co.uk/bookings or call 0114 550 0999.
Please note: OxyHealthCare provides non-medical hyperbaric oxygen wellbeing sessions and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent medical conditions. *Individual experiences vary. 40 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
REFORMER INC.
Tucked away in leafy S11, Reformer Inc. Pilates has built a warm, welcoming space where movement meets mindfulness – and everyone’s encouraged to show up exactly as they are. With a top-tier team of instructors (over 14 years of combined experience), the studio offers a mix of Reformer, Tower and Mat Pilates, blending classical and contemporary styles to suit all abilities. Whether you’re just starting out or know your hundred from your teaser, there’s a class with your name on it. Looking for something more tailored? Their private 1:1 and 2:1 sessions help you focus on technique, build strength and work towards personal goals at your own pace. It’s not just about the workout – it’s about community, confidence and feeling good in your body. Stronger posture, reduced stress, better recovery... whatever your ‘why’, this is your space to move, breathe and thrive. More info on memberships and classes here: reformerinc.com
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We are a local Sheffield Pilates studio based on the border of S10/S11 on Nethergreen Road. We offer group classes and private sessions in Reformer, Mat and Tower Pilates. We are experienced instructors with over 14 years experience combined and our studio is a welcoming and supportive environment – whether you have never done Pilates before or are an experienced practitioner. Come along and feel the benefits yourself – you’ll leave feeling stronger, healthier and more connected. Follow us on Instagram @Reformer.Inc or drop us an email at info@reformerinc.com
ScandiBox Saunas is a mobile, wood-fired sauna based in Dronfield and serving Sheffield and the Peak District. Inspired by Scandinavian sauna culture, we believe in the power of heat, nature, and community to support wellbeing Our handcrafted sauna can be hired for private gatherings, corporate wellbeing days, retreats, and events, offering a unique experience wherever you need it. We also run communal sauna sessions, creating space for people to slow down, reset, and connect. You can now find us weekly at the J. G. Graves Woodland Discovery Centre in Ecclesall Woods, where the warmth of the sauna meets the tranquility of the woodland. Whether you’re looking to relax, socialise, or explore the benefits of sauna culture, ScandiBox brings the warmth to you BOOK HERE:
www.scandiboxsaunas.co.uk Insta: @scandibox_saunas // Facebook: ScandiBox Saunas
HEALTH AND FITNESS
SCANDIBOX SAUNAS
Built by owner Tom from a restored horse box, ScandiBox Saunas (scandibox_saunas) brings the heat – literally – to scenic spots around Sheffield, the Peaks and beyond. This hand-crafted, wood-fired mobile sauna offers a proper Nordic-style sweat, followed by an icy rinse via cold plunge. It’s all about contrast therapy: 15 minutes in the sauna, cool off, repeat. Simple. Glorious. Good for the soul. You can join a communal session (from £8) to soak and socialise, or go full private hire (£85/hr at selected spots) if you fancy something more personal. Feeling fancy? Go bespoke and ScandiBox will work with you to create a custom sauna experience – think wild swims, holistic therapies or even food and drink add-ons. Basically, it’s peak relaxation, wherever they park up.
SHAANTI TOWN
THE CLIMBING WORKS
linktr.ee/Shaantitown
Details and bookings: climbingworks.com
Looking for a new yoga hangout to kick off the year? Shaanti Town’s got you covered. This newly opened veggie and vegan Indian restaurant and community space, just off Sharrow Vale Road, doubles as a yoga studio by day – transforming its colourful interiors into a peaceful spot to stretch, breathe and reset. Throughout January, the venue will host a range of sessions led by local practitioners, offering everything from yoga and meditation to tai chi and reiki. Whether you’re easing back into things post-Christmas or chasing a new wellness routine, it’s all about moving in a way that feels good. And once you’ve rolled up your mat, why not stick around? With nourishing thalis on the menu and a fully stocked alcohol-free bar, the space becomes a cosy, social hub.
A Sheffield climbing institution since 2006, The Climbing Works is home to not one, but three centres – all on one buzzing site – making it one of the most iconic indoor bouldering hubs in the UK. Whether you’re a total beginner or training for your next comp, this is the place to pull on. The main centre is all about world-class bouldering, set by none other than Olympic head route setter Percy Bishton. Expect creative problems, banging tunes and a friendly, laid-back vibe throughout. The Mini Works caters for little crushers and families – ideal for kids, with or without grown-ups who climb. It’s colourful, accessible and full of energy. Need a post-send reward? Head to The Works Tap next door for artisan pizza, local beers and plenty of climbing chat.
COMING SOON:
Book your ScandiBox experience: scandiboxsaunas.co.uk
GÜS WELLNESS
Expected to be fully operational this month, a new wellness space bringing sauna heat, ice bath chills and a splash of Scandinavian café culture to the heart of Sheffield city centre. Set to open its doors this month, Güs is moving into the beautifully restored Sunday School building on Cambridge Street – part of the city’s Heart of the City development – and promises a cosy, contemporary take on wellbeing. Expect a mix of guided and self-led sauna and cold plunge sessions, all designed to help you reconnect, recharge and reset. Once you’re done sweating it out, kick back in the relaxed café, where locally sourced food and drink take centre stage. It’s the first ever site for the Güs brand, and with its slick design, focus on community and Scandi-style vibes, we reckon it’ll be a very welcome addition. Follow for updates: @guswellness
WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 43
There’s a big new chapter ahead for Canada House – the striking old building just off Pinstone Street – as it gears up to become Harmony Works, a city-centre music hub designed to put creativity, collaboration and opportunity at the heart of young people’s lives. We caught up with Project Director Emily Pieters to hear this could be a total gamechanger for the city. WORDS: MAX HAYWARD
What will activity at Harmony Works look like on a day-to-day basis?
Day to day, there will be multiple organisations working in the building simultaneously. It will be open to the public, with a café at the front, and a range of flexible spaces available to rent or hire – including the Heritage Hall, a new hall in the extension, and a basement hall. The top floor will provide office space for at least ten organisations. Young people will be able to use heritage rooms, basement rooms and newly built studios for music practice, recording, band rehearsals and lessons. How do you hope Harmony Works will shape music education in Sheffield?
It will be a safe, inclusive and collaborative space where every young person feels welcome and supported. The idea is that they feel the building belongs to them. For example, a school group with an idea for a band but no space to rehearse can come here – and might find other young people in the next room with similar ambitions. Resident organisations might say, “We’ve got this group on a Thursday – do you want to join in?” It becomes a social hub, with trusted mentors and a real sense of belonging. 44 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
What impact do you hope it will have beyond music development?
It will be a game changer – a beacon for music and creativity, and a central space with the capacity to support a range of projects happening across Sheffield. While there are already brilliant venues in the city, Harmony Works will offer something new: a fully accessible, collaborative environment where different groups can connect, rehearse and create under one roof. It’s also a learning space. Students from Sheffield Hallam Institute of Arts and the University of Sheffield’s architecture department are already using the building for projects ranging from photography to measurement
studies. The heritage of Canada House adds a layer of significance too – it’s not just a building, but a place where people can come together. Because the arts are naturally collaborative, this will create crossover between music-making, administration and creative careers. Although the core focus is young people, adult groups will be welcome too. How can people support the project?
Advocacy is key – talk about what we’re doing, and share how transformative this space will be. We’re still closing the funding gap, though the majority has already been raised to refurbish and extend the building. You can donate via our website at harmonyworks.org.uk, and there are other ways to get involved too. Businesses with audio kit or in-kind support can help, and we’ve already had brilliant pro bono contributions from organisations like CMS and Altitude PR. That kind of professional backing has been transformational and shows the level of care Sheffield professionals have for their city. What has been the biggest challenge in turning this project into reality?
Funding has been the biggest challenge – but
before that, it was building belief in the project. That belief laid the foundations for fundraising and required a long-term commitment. I first got involved in 2017, and it took persistence to keep championing the idea, fundraising, and shaping a plan that people could get behind. Raising money for major capital projects is never easy, but securing national investment for Sheffield has been a huge step forward. What’s your vision for Harmony Works in 10 years’ time?
I’d hope that every young person in Sheffield and the wider region has had the chance to experience Harmony Works – even if just briefly. Not everyone will be drawn to music, but even limited engagement can help build confidence, resilience and teamwork. I also hope Harmony Works becomes a recognised and valued part of Sheffield’s cultural scene – a place people speak about with pride. Over time, it could become a catalyst for positive change in this part of the city, helping it thrive as a vibrant and inclusive community space. To find out more or get involved with fundraising, head to harmonyworks.org.uk
WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 45
FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST
SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST
MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS COMING SOON AUGUST 27 - 30, 2026
TICKETS AT ROCKNROLLCIRCUS.CO.UK
When Rock N Roll Circus picked up Best Programming at this year’s Access All Areas Awards, it felt like more than industry recognition – it felt like a moment of arrival. For Festival Director Ali O’Reilly, the award validated an idea that once raised eyebrows: combining heavyweight live music with circus, theatre and immersive performance, and planting it firmly in South Yorkshire. “Winning that award meant a huge amount to us,” says Ali. “Rock N Roll Circus is deliberately a bit bold, a bit different, and a bit wacky. To be recognised alongside some of the biggest venues and operators in the country was incredibly validating especially knowing how much graft goes in behind the scenes.” That graft began back in 2022, when Rock N Roll Circus launched in South Yorkshire with a concept that didn’t neatly fit into existing festival boxes. Convincing people – artists, partners and audiences alike – that the model would work outside a major city was the first major challenge. “We had to build trust,” Ali explains. “We were asking people to believe that something ambitious, immersive and world-class could be built here. Sheffield proved us right.” The city quickly became the festival’s spiritual home. With its deep musical heritage, creative energy and famously open-minded audiences, Sheffield embraced Rock N Roll Circus from the outset. “Sheffield just gets it,” O’Reilly says. “There’s an authenticity to the city - no pretence, no posturing. People are curious
and willing to engage with something different, and that’s exactly what the festival is about.” Importantly, Rock N Roll Circus hasn’t just arrived with big names - it’s embedded itself in the local scene. Previous editions have platformed Sheffield and regional artists alongside global acts, from Self Esteem and Reverend & The Makers to rising names like Freddie Halkon, Gia Ford and The Rosadocs. At the heart of the festival is its immersive approach. Big Top stages, aerialists, fire performers and theatrical moments aren’t added as decoration but are integral to the experience. “We wanted it to feel like a world you step into,” says Ali. “Not just a list of bands, but something emotional and transportive. That’s what makes it welcoming for different audiences – music lovers, families, and people coming to a festival for the first time.” That inclusive ethos is paying off, and 2026 is shaping up to be Rock N Roll Circus’ biggest year yet. The festival returns to Don Valley Bowl over the August Bank Holiday, with Richard Ashcroft and The Streets already confirmed as Sheffield headliners and tickets for both shows are on sale now. Ashcroft’s headline slot follows a huge global run supporting Oasis’ reunion
tour, while The Streets will perform their landmark album A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full - a show that’s already selling fast. More major artists are set to be announced in the coming months, with organisers promising their most ambitious programme to date. Alongside its Sheffield dates, Rock N Roll Circus will also return to Norwich this August, following a hugely successful debut. The Earlham Park event will feature a standout line-up including Madness, The Streets and The Kooks, further cementing a growing reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting independent festivals. “Next year is about pushing everything further,” O’Reilly says. “Bigger moments, more immersion, and making sure Sheffield – and Norwich – get something truly special.” Beyond the music, Ali is clear about the wider legacy she wants Rock N Roll Circus to leave behind. “If we can show that festivals of this scale can thrive in South Yorkshire creating jobs, supporting local creatives, and inspiring the next generation - that’s incredibly important,” she says. “Most of all, we want people here to feel ownership. This is Sheffield’s festival.” Tickets and full information for 2026 are available now at rocknrollcircus.co.uk. WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 47
12 T H U R FEB‘26
COUNTRY SUPERSTARS 7.30PM | OCTAGON CENTRE
20 F R I MAR‘26
SHANE TODD: HOLD ME BACK
MAY
FEB
WHAT’S ON AT PERFORMANCE VENUES: FEBRUARY ONWARD 6.30PM | DRAMA STUDIO
2 THE CHARLATANS F R I FEB‘26
7PM | OCTAGON CENTRE
See the visceral Brit-Pop legends tour their 10th studio album ‘Antidepressants’!
F R I FEB‘26
MAR
6.30PM| OCTAGON CENTRE
6
T U E S MAR‘26
F R I MAR‘26
8PM | OCTAGON CENTRE Step On into a night of pure Madchester magic as the legendary Happy Mondays bring their era-defining sound to Sheffield.
BEA: 9 AISLING OLDER THAN JESUS
THURS APR‘26
7PM | OCTAGON CENTRE
Ben Fogle’s theatre show WILD brings to life stories and tales of hope, possibility, and positivity.
6 THE BEAT T U E S OCT‘26
24 6.30PM | OCTAGON CENTRE
S U N SEPT‘26
7PM | OCTAGON CENTRE
6.30PM | OCTAGON CENTRE
BEN FOGLE: WILD
5PM | OCTAGON CENTRE
This award-winning extravaganza pays tribute to one of the leading artists of our time - Taylor Swift.
F R I APR‘26
Two tone legends - plus special guests Bad Manners and Rhoda Dakar (DJ set).
25 CABARET VOLTAIRE THE ROSADOCS 8PM | OCTAGON CENTRE Sheffield’s own rising indie fivepiece The Rosadocs return home for a huge headline show at the Octagon as part of their first-ever UK headline tour.
S U N OCT‘26
8PM | OCTAGON CENTRE
5 SCOTT BENNETT F R I FEB‘27
6.30PM | OCTAGON CENTRE “Without doubt live comedy’s best kept secret” - Evening Standard
SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL LISTINGS THROUGH TO 2027: PERFORMANCEVENUES.GROUP.SHEF.AC.UK
2027
6
AN AUDIENCE WITH MARK AND LARD
S U N MAR‘26
6 TAYLORMANIA
OCT
27 NORTHERN LIVE: DO I LOVE YOU
22 HAPPY MONDAYS
8PM | OCTAGON CENTRE
The indie band are on the road touring new album ‘We Are Love’
SEP
13 SUEDE
S A T MAY ‘26
JANUARY
JANUARY PRESENTS
BLACKLIGHT ANIMALS 9TH JAN
JESSOPS 1OTH JAN
THE ZEBEDEES 1OTH JAN
BREATHE BR 11TH JAN
SPRING 12TH JAN
BUFALLO GHOST + TC & THE HOODOO SHAKERS 17TH JAN
X2 FAST 17TH JAN
HIGH FADE 18TH JAN
VITRIOLIC CELL 20TH JAN
THE STEELWAVES 21ST JAN
BARRICADE 12TH JAN
DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER 13TH JAN
JUGGLER 14TH JAN
STEEP INCLINE 15TH JAN
VIVID 16TH JAN
FREEZER 16TH JAN
UNDER THE INFLUENCE 22ND JAN
CLUB LEX 23RD JAN
VELVET TUXEDO 25TH JAN
JUMPERS AND COLLARS 28TH JAN T OU SOLDRED RUM CLUB 29TH JAN
BIG SEXY NOISE 30TH JAN
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all shows open to the public (14+ unless stated otherwise) tickets available from foundrysu.com box office: 0114 222 8777
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scan for tickets foundry, sheffield students’ union western bank, s10 2tg foundrysu.com - foundry@sheffield.ac.uk @foundrysheffield
REVIEW
SHEFFIELD BEATLES PROJECT @ THE OCTAGON WORDS: ASH BIRCH PHOTO: BENJI WILSON (@JAMBURRITO1)
We all have our markers of the festive season – things that get us in the mood for Christmas – and for me this time of year has long been soundtracked by The Beatles. So, a Saturday night at The Octagon to see the Sheffield Beatles Project recreate Abbey Road is a tantalising prospect. It could not get more wholesome. For the uninitiated, the Sheffield Beatles Project is a 30-plus-piece band made up of a selection of Sheffield’s finest musicians who have, for just under a decade, reinvented the idea of a Beatles cover band. Unlike their contemporaries, there are no mop-top wigs or Scouse accents, and they don’t just play the hits. Once a year, they pick an album and play it in its entirety. The whole shebang. Last year, for example, they played The White Album in full (yes, everything). Obviously, a mammoth undertaking like that leaves little space for anything else, but as tonight’s focus is The Beatles’ final recorded album – the 47 minutes and 23 seconds of 1969’s Abbey Road – there’s room in the first half to play around with some hits, some very deep cuts, and even some very non-Beatles cuts. The band often sees a few changes, and over the years many of Sheffield’s notable musicians have been involved. Tonight, however, marks the most altered line-up yet, with two newcomers on vocal duty alongside a reshuffle of the backline and orchestral sections. Familiar faces Teah
Lewis and Jack Weston return this year, but Laura James and Ad Follet have stepped back (although Ad clearly can’t stay away – I spot him at the front of the audience). In their stead are Sarah Carroll and Louis Romégoux, who more than capably fill the void and bring their own unique takes to familiar tracks. Among the recognisable moments are wonderfully faithful recreations of ‘Get Back’, ‘Across the Universe’, ‘The Long and Winding Road’ and ‘Don’t Let Me Down’. Less familiar tracks, like ‘Old Brown Shoe’ (the B-side to ‘The Ballad of John and Yoko’) and George Harrison’s ‘I Me Mine’ from Let It Be, are afforded the same level of care and reverence. This section is punctuated by a tribute to the female singers of the 60s, trailed with a short VT and led by the wonderfully talented Teah Lewis, who
admits it was hard to find many female singers from the era who had particularly nice things to say about The Beatles. Teah opens up the stage to some of Sheffield’s finest female voices, including Rhiannon Scutt, who for me steals the entire evening with a beautiful cover of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now’. Then it’s another George Harrison jam, this time of the solo variety with the full band, before we head into the interval. Following the break, it’s Abbey Road time. If you know the track listing, there are fewer surprises here. The highlight for me is my favourite track on the album, ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy)’ – an eight-minute monster that captures the feeling of desire using just fifteen words and, incidentally, gives Philippe his moment in the sun on bass. Abbey Road’s side two – “The Long One” medley – what SBP founder Ben Eckersley calls the “zenith” of Beatles accomplishment, inevitably closes out the show. The performance and weaving together of eight song fragments and two full songs into a continuous piece is executed impeccably, and the level of detail and musicianship achieved these reproductions, and indeed the entire night, borders on obsession. The band return for an encore including ‘Hello, Goodbye’ and ‘Let It Be’, before finishing with ‘Jet’ – from the band The Beatles could have been. We’ll let them off, as it is Christmas. WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 51
CLASS ACTS For more than 35 years, AS Music School has been a fixture of music education in Sheffield – a place where confidence is built, friendships are formed and musical journeys begin. For some tutors, those journeys started in the very same rooms they now teach in. Exposed spoke to four former students who have come full circle at AS.
BRANDON
ROSE
Who were your biggest musical influences growing up – and did any of your lessons at AS shape that?
How did you first get into music, and what brought you to AS as a student?
Growing up, I was influenced by bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Oasis and The Stone Roses. My lessons played a huge role in helping me discover more artists, including The Smiths, Mötley Crüe and Stevie Ray Vaughan. That led me to love a wide range of genres and want to learn the different guitar styles and techniques that come with them. Did any of your own tutors at AS inspire the way you teach now?
My tutors at AS definitely influenced the way I teach. I always felt like I was going to a lesson with a friend rather than just a teacher. I try to strike the same balance between being friendly and encouraging while also offering structured guidance. I want my students to feel comfortable but still challenged, which helps them enjoy learning and make steady progress. It also means they often want to chat about what’s going on in their day-to-day lives, music-related or not. I’m grateful to have learned in this environment rather than through a stricter approach – it made every moment of learning enjoyable. Favourite Sheffield album?
While there are plenty of great albums by Sheffield artists, my favourite growing up has always been Favourite Worst Nightmare – Arctic Monkeys.
52 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
I’ve loved singing and making music for as long as I can remember. I started guitar lessons when I was about six and, as I got older, decided to take it more seriously by working towards graded exams in both guitar and vocals. My mum brought me to AS Music School when I was around 13 and I instantly felt at home. I’ve been part of the school ever since. What was your path from student to tutor – was it a natural transition or something unexpected?
For me, it was a really natural transition. I began performing in AS concerts and helping behind the scenes, which gave me a real sense of the school’s community. I started by covering the odd lesson, then gradually built up my own student base from around the age of 16. Anne was always incredibly encouraging, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that helped me grow into the role. Favourite song by a Sheffield artist?
‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’ by Arctic Monkeys – it was the first dance at our wedding, so it has a very special place in my heart.
HUGO
ISOBEL
What do you think makes the AS community special – both as a student and now as a tutor?
Can you remember your very first lesson at AS? What made you want to start learning music in the first place?
The AS community is special because I remember being nine years old, quite shy and nervous about what to expect. Seeing smiling faces coming in and out of rooms, from both students and teachers alike, instantly made that daunting feeling dissipate into excitement. I went through multiple teachers over the years and with each one developed a lovely bond. I always felt heard in my lessons and was never forced to practise or study something I didn’t like, while they catered to all my requests for odd genres and drumming facts. Now, as a teacher here myself, I feel like I was truly shown how to get the most from a student – and that it’s all about having fun. How has the school changed, or stayed the same, since you were learning here?
The school has moved location since I first started – a definite upgrade from being upstairs in a garage and a coffee shop, which involved the narrowest, steepest set of stairs I’ve ever climbed. As a drum student, I was in the biggest room, which doubled as the band room. Now there’s a band room more than double the size of its predecessor, kitted out with a stage, a baby grand piano, PA system and drum kit, where I now teach and which also hosts band classes and group lessons. There’s also a dedicated drum room where Luke teaches, with a speaker for students to play along to their favourite tracks and two kits so he can demonstrate and play along uninterrupted. What keeps you coming back to AS?
Out of all the places I’ve worked, I’ve never been part of a more positive and lovely team. I can’t say this without mentioning Karl, who organises everything in such a calm and positive way. He always looks out for the staff and makes sure we’re all okay, which truly makes it a great place to work.
I can vividly remember my first lesson. I was with Rose, who I stayed with for my entire time as a student – highly recommend her, she’s incredible – and we sang ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ by James Arthur and ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse. I was so nervous beforehand, as singing can feel very vulnerable, but Rose was friendly and supportive. She made me feel welcome, and I stayed ever since. I’ve been singing all my life. I recently found a video of me aged two singing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t sing. I’ve been involved in different performance groups since the age of nine, and singing has always been a huge part of that. I remember being in Year 8 and telling my parents I wanted singing lessons – I loved it so much, why not learn to be better? I started lessons with Rose at 13. Now, ten years later, I’m lucky to stand beside her and the other amazing teachers as a singing tutor. How did it feel stepping back into AS, this time as a tutor?
Exciting, yet nerve-racking. I love singing, I love people singing and I love teaching singing. I’m incredibly passionate about it, and I’ll argue to the hilt that anyone can sing – it’s a skill you learn. That can be scary, but I don’t see that as a negative. It’s scary because I care so much. Being a teacher here is a pleasure, just as being a student was. I’m so pleased and proud to have come full circle here. What would you say to a current student who’s just starting out?
Singing is a skill, and like any other skill, anyone can learn it. No one is born doing triple backflips or baking the perfect soufflé. Together, we can get to know your voice and what it needs. There’s no reason why you can’t hit those notes – you absolutely can. We just need to learn how, and that’s why I’m here with you. We’ve got this.
Find out more at musiclessonssheffield.co.uk WWWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 53
THINGS TO DO
THE LAUNDRY ROOM AND PLAYROOM
It’s not often you come across a space where you can do your laundry, order a fresh Italian mac and cheese, watch your kids tear around a giant, immersive soft play centre and still leave with your trousers dry cleaned. But with The Laundry Room and The Playroom, both tucked just off St Mary’s Gate, that’s exactly the idea – and it’s the brainchild of Mohsen, a single dad who built the whole thing around problems he faced in his own life. “All we have in here is like the problems I faced when I was a single father,” he explains. “I had to choose between taking my son to a soft play or staying home doing the laundry. So I thought – why can’t we do both?” From that came a sprawling complex unlike anything else in South Yorkshire – or indeed, the country as a whole. There’s a state-of-the-art launderette, a soft play centre packed with interactive tech, an all-day café, a dry cleaning service, and soon – a full nursery. “It’s all in one, all under one roof,” says Mohsen proudly. Let’s start with the Playroom, which isn’t your average soft play. “We’ve got over 250 metres of ball vacuum games,” he says. “The biggest touchscreens in Sheffield to play with, even the slides are different to what you might expect.” It is genuinely impressive. There are interactive walls, ball-blowing games and even a full sensory area designed for children under one, as well as those with autism. “We’ve already had families tell us their kids cry when it’s time to leave that room. They don’t want to go. It’s really emotional, to be honest.” Head next door and you’re in The Laundry Room, which Mohsen claims – without exaggeration – is “the biggest launderette in Yorkshire.” The place is fitted with huge machines, many of which other laundrettes keep for back-of-house service washes. “I’ve been honest enough to leave them for customers to use. Our smallest machine 54 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
is 11kg, and it goes right up to 31kg. People don’t have time to do six or seven loads at home, so they can do it here in 40 minutes.” The setup is slick, automated and designed for both self-service and fullservice use. “You just drop your laundry off, pay for the machine, and our staff do the rest – wash, dry, fold. It’s a free service. You’re getting a service wash at the cost of a self-service wash.” If you can’t make it in, there’s even an app on the way. “It’ll be like ordering a takeaway. Free collection, free delivery. Press a button, leave the bag by the door. We collect, wash, dry, fold and return it. You don’t touch your laundry for the whole month!” The café is another part of the plan – the menu ranges from comfort food to healthier options, and there’s proper coffee too. “Everywhere I took my son to play, there was no professional food – just snacks,” explains Mohsen. “I had to go somewhere else to eat. So here, I made a full kitchen, with a separate door for takeaway and delivery.” The menu ranges from comfort food to healthier options, and there’s proper coffee too. “People can relax with a hot drink and catch up with their friends over some good food while their kids enjoy themselves. You can tick off your full weekend to-do list in one morning.” Upstairs, the space is expanding
even further. Mohsen is building what he calls “a next generation play centre”, with further interactive digital walls and immersive birthday rooms. “I had three rooms for parties, but they were always fully booked. So we flattened 10 office spaces and are building a whole new level. Digital caves, interactive walls – the kids draw something on the screen and it walks across the forest or city on the wall.” There’ll be full birthday packages, too. “You just tell us what price and package you want. We handle everything – the food, the cake, the party bags, the decorations. Happy days.” For him, what sets this place apart is that it’s built entirely around the realities of parenting. “Most families come here as two parents and a couple of kids. One drops off the laundry, one stays with the kids. Then they do their weekly shop at Aldi next door. Clothes get washed, kids get tired out, parents have a meal. Job done.” It’s also a genuinely welcoming place, especially for solo parents. “I know how hard it is. That’s why I’ve made sure there’s something that works for everyone. If you’re a single mum with an older child and a toddler, you can sit in one space and still keep an eye on both.” Since opening, the venue has gone viral multiple times on TikTok, attracting families from across the north and the midlands. “We had customers queuing outside, no till system, just a soft opening – and people still came.” With more expansion on the way – including the nursery and takeaway – The Laundry Room and The Playroom have turned a once-overlooked corner of the city into one of its most innovative family hubs. @playroomsheffield @laundry.room.sheffield.uk Bushbury House, St Mary’s Gate S2 4QA
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THINGS TO DO don’t need previous marketing experience or qualifications to apply. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a creative looking to sharpen your skills, or a business owner struggling to keep up with ever-changing platforms and algorithms, this programme meets you where you are – and helps get you where you want to go. To join the January 2026 cohort (starting Wednesday 7 January), you’ll need to complete a short skills scan to check the programme is the right fit – then you’re in. Why it matters
PIVOT WITH PURPOSE Join South Yorkshire’s fully funded Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp – and get a guaranteed job interview at the end of it Whether you’re plotting a career switch, running your own hustle or freelancing your way through the creative world, chances are you’ve already clocked how crucial digital marketing is in 2025. From building a brand to mastering the algorithm, it’s not just about being online – it’s about standing out. That’s where the Digital Marketing Skills Bootcamp from Another Avenue comes in. Based in South Yorkshire, this multi-award-winning provider has created a 12-week, fully funded course (yes, completely free) to equip you with realworld marketing skills and the confidence to use them – whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up.
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Industry-led and laser-focused
This bootcamp is open to anyone aged 19 or over who lives in South Yorkshire. You
Now on its 17th cohort, this award-winning programme has already upskilled more than 800 learners across the UK. Built for the industry, by the industry – with input from leading marketing professionals and agencies – the bootcamp combines live online lessons, hands-on campaign experience and access to the latest tools, including AI platforms that are fast becoming essential in every marketer’s toolbox. You’ll cover a wide range of topics, including:
• SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) • Content creation • PPC (Pay-Per-Click advertising) • Influencer marketing • Social media strategy • UX (User Experience) design 56 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Let’s face it – digital marketing isn’t going anywhere. If anything, it’s evolving faster than ever. The industry skills gap is growing, and programmes like this don’t just open doors – they kick them down. With backing from the Department for Education, Another Avenue is helping jobseekers, creatives and entrepreneurs across South Yorkshire thrive in one of the UK’s most exciting (and flexible) industries. How to apply To apply for the bootcamp or find out more, visit: anotheravenue. co.uk/bootcamps Or search “Another Avenue Digital Marketing Bootcamp” online.
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It’s essentially a marketing Swiss Army knife for today’s digital world. You’ll also benefit from CV workshops, interview coaching and tailored one-toone career support. If you’re looking to land your first role in digital, you’ll finish the course with a professional portfolio – plus a guaranteed job interview through Another Avenue’s in-house recruitment team. For freelancers and small business owners, the programme offers the tools to develop a future-proof growth plan. Who’s it for?
TL;DR?
Duration: 12 weeks, part-time Cost: Fully funded for South Yorkshire residents Format: Online, two days per week (Weds & Thurs) Who it’s for: Career changers, freelancers, business owners Start date: Wednesday 7 January 2026
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ROAR-SOME INSPIRATION Roaring to life in summer 2026, Pride of Yorkshire is the latest sculpture trail from Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity and will see 300 life-sized lion, lioness and cub sculptures hitting the streets of Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster. Tattoo artist Roseanna “Dozy” Hanson is one of the artists bringing the trail to life and is stepping into new territory by painting a pair of lion sculptures for the Pride of Yorkshire trail. Inspired by the Roses and Castles art found on narrowboats, she is bringing the colours and history of Sheffield and the Tinsley canal into her design. So, where did this design come from?
I got a narrowboat myself a couple of years ago and found out the traditional Roses and Castle folk art used to decorate them. It started out on the canal network because it was quite a dreary job, so to brighten up their living space people would paint flowers and these beautiful castles and fantasy motifs all over their boats. It’s actually an endangered art in the UK. And I decided to try and teach myself how to do it. I’ve been buying random things from charity shops and repainting them in this style! I thought it’d be cool to do it on such a large scale with the lion sculptures. And what is it about Sheffield and the Tinsley canal that keeps you inspired? 58 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
People don’t really realise the canal is even there. Often it gets a bit neglected. But it’s actually really beautiful. There are lovely spots to sit and chill and watch the boats go past.
I think it’s important that we respect our history in terms of what the canals did for Sheffield. The steelworks used it for getting materials out to the world. We forget that because trains came along, but they’re a big part of the city’s industrial heritage. It’s a bit different from the day job, isn’t it?
I’ve been a tattoo artist for about eight years, and I’ve never done anything like this before.”
I’m treating it like a client and I’m putting designs on its body like it wanted tattoos. And the lions are sitting very well. I’ve not had any complaints. They’re pretty much the perfect client. And how does this fit with where the tattoo industry is at the moment?
The tattoo industry is a little quieter than it has been. I’m looking to branch out into other creative things, especially in the community. I want to embrace being in Sheffield more and get to know other artists. Doing something for the community and for charity is a positive step in the right direction. You can see more of Roseanna’s work at: www.instagram.com/ dozytattoo For more information about Pride of Yorkshire, visit prideofyorkshire.org and follow them on socials at Pride of Yorkshire.
THINGS TO DO
From estate kickabouts to a full-blown indoor football revival, Yard Ball is putting the soul back into the beautiful game – one nostalgic kick at a time. Founder Scott Riley and Marketing Manager Hilary Newbould talk us through the playful origins of Sheffield’s street football success story, why it’s becoming a hit with families, teams and local businesses – and what’s next as a second site gets ready to launch. Yard Ball has such a nostalgic and unique concept – where did the initial spark for the idea come from? Scott: The happiest time of my life (excluding meeting my wife and having kids) was being a kid growing up on my old estate back in the late ’80s and early ’90s. My life basically consisted of playing out 24/7 with my mates – usually with a ball – on the park fields. If it wasn’t the field, it was the yard. If it wasn’t the yard, it was the garages. If it wasn’t the garages, it was the pub car park. Pretty much anywhere was fair game for a kickabout. Then came a time when I took my lad to see his nan in the maisonettes I grew up in and started explaining all the stuff I used to do as a kid (the bits I could actually tell him about) – how we spent hours playing 1v1 or 2v2 on the yard with the washing posts as nets. At that exact moment, two lads were on the yard trying to knock a can off a bin – which was totally normal to me. My lad actually found it a pretty good game to watch, and it was just two mates making up a game with a can and a ball. That got the cogs turning and kicked off the creative thought process. From there, the idea for me was all about how I could pass my experience on to a new generation – and give us older ones something to remember. Kids and parents have it tough now: kids glued to screens, never bored enough to build that creative spark; adults doom-scrolling through life, constantly connected but never really present. My 60 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
mission was to create a space that pushed back against all of that. What were some of the early challenges you faced turning that childhood inspiration into a fully-fledged business? Scott: Lots of challenges! The two biggest were: finding someone willing to invest and hand over their hard-earned money to help create the vision, and then finding a building in Sheffield. There were loads of opportunities outside the city that would’ve been amazing, but I wanted the idea to be born in the place I grew up. That part was mainly tough because, when you actually say it out loud – presenting a business plan built around kids and adults playing street football, kicking balls through maisonette windows, in a council-estate environment
recreated indoors – it does sound mental. But as soon as I met my investor, he just got it. He’s actually a distant relative who was born and raised in Sheffield before moving away. After meeting quite a few investors, he was the one where it instantly clicked. He understood the vision straight away and was willing to back it. The next challenge was whether I could deliver everything on what was (at the start) a tight budget, while still keeping the standard high. Thankfully, my background in design, branding, and generally being a creative person helped massively. Being able to control the creative side myself and work with a solid team gave us a huge head start. Site 2, which is coming in 2026, should be a breeze... How has the response been since opening – did you anticipate the level of interest you’ve had? Scott: The response has been incredible really. Over 90,000 people have played in the Yard – plus spectators like mums, dads, grandparents – and often, they end up joining in. This is exactly what I hoped would happen: to bring joy to people, just like it did for me as a kid. It brings back the love of the game. The overall feedback has been so positive from both adults and children. People don’t quite know what they’re going to walk into until they get here – and it’s amazing to hear the excitement when they go into the Yard. We’ve had lots of mind-blowing moments – current and ex-pro footballers and managers, a Lioness, and visitors travelling from as far as Cornwall and Northern Ireland. One that still sticks in my mind is a visit from a grandad, his son and grandson – three generations playing together in the Yard, absolutely loving life and creating memories. Yard Ball is described as “a place to love the game again” – how do you capture that spirit?
Hilary: “A place to love the game again” means stripping football back to what made us fall in love with it in the first place – creativity, freedom and simply enjoying time with a ball. We try to capture that by focusing on moments rather than messages. We show kids trying something new, families laughing together, and players taking on challenges in their own way. It’s not about elitist playing – it’s about imagination, creativity and fun. Beyond the gameplay, you’ve created a full social experience – how important was that in your vision for the space? Scott: The experience is everything, because it ties into all the elements I experienced growing up in Sheffield – time with family and friends, football, music, fashion. That’s really what underpins the essence of Yard Ball. I grew up going to working men’s clubs most weekends with my uncles. We’d play football outside until dark, then head in for a go on the bingo, the meat raffle or a game of pool with some of the grown-ups. We’d play Green Beret on the arcade, then head back out for one last kickabout before finishing the night with a chippy. It was such a positive environment, and I wanted that spirit to be part of the experience. We’ve brought that vibe into the café/ bar area – our own version of the working men’s club – so people can relive that feeling or feel part of something new.
IT TIES INTO ALL THE ELEMENTS I EXPERIENCED GROWING UP – TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, FOOTBALL, MUSIC, FASHION.”
What kind of feedback have you had from businesses who’ve booked the venue for client entertainment or team building? Hilary: Most businesses tell us they’re surprised by how much everyone ends up enjoying it. Often the booking comes from someone who already loves football, or someone looking for a team-building activity that’s a bit different – and it always exceeds expectations. Book in at yardball.co.uk Insta: @yard_ball
WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 61
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Backstage Pass A MONTHLY DIARY UPDATE FROM TEAM CORP So, here’s the time I get to tell you all the fun things that happened over December at Corp. We’ve laughed, we’ve partied and we are so ready for New Year’s Eve. 2025 has been an absolute blast for us at Corporation, and I could tell you all about what’s happened just in December – but why not share some of my fave bits from the whole year? After the absolute chaos you lot caused over our April Fools’ post, we honestly thought: why not? And officially released Corp Pints in a Can. We’ve had multiple sightings of a hoard of bald caps at our Pitbull Parties, and I watched a full-blown WrestleMania takedown happen in the middle of the main room during our Attitude Era Club Night. You sold out so many shows this year – Terrorvision, Weave, Those Damn Crows, Tivolis and Hot Milk, just to name a few. When it comes to Corp TV, we THANK YOU for your love, comments and involvement. To everyone who’s been on the show – and to our regulars – thank you. It’s official: we’ve tallied the numbers and can now reveal the person with the most appearances on Corp TV this year. Congratulations, Harry! You’ve been on the show so much that we’re offering you an actual job… keep your eyes peeled for that one. In case you didn’t know already, 2026 is going to be a big year for Corp. We’ve been causing chaos since 1997, but we’ve officially called Milton Street our home for 25 years – and as always, we love a party, so prepare yourself for a full year of celebration.
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SOME TOP SHOUTS COMING UP IN 2026 Metal 2 The Masses // Starts 10 Jan Sheffield’s heavy scene gets its moment in the spotlight with this multi-event battle of the bands. Local metal acts go head-to-head for a slot at Bloodstock Festival, with the opening rounds kicking off in January and building to a massive all-dayer later in the summer. Big riffs, big ambition and a brilliant chance to support homegrown talent. Black Charade & Fell Out Boy // 23 Jan A tribute night to remember for all the emo kids still kicking about. Black Charade will be performing The Black Parade in full to mark its 20th anniversary (yep, you’re that old), joined by Fell Out Boy for a double dose of eyeliner-fuelled nostalgia. Expect singalongs, sweat and maybe a tear or two. Panic! At the Bingo // 28 Feb (Trafalgar Warehouse) Exactly what it sounds like – Emo Bingo. All your favourite bangers, some ridiculous prizes and a night that mixes chaos with karaoke. They've been at Download, they've sold out nights in London, and now we're finally getting to see them appear in the North for the first time Resistanz Festival // 3-5 April The world-renowned celebration of industrial, electronic and alternative music returns to Sheffield over easter bank holiday weekend. Spanning Corporation and Trafalgar Warehouse, Resistanz brings together 40+ international and UK artists for a three-day weekender like no other. Think exclusive sets, DJ takeovers and a buzzing crowd of alt-scene devotees. Mouth Culture // 10 April These lively alt-rockers joined Hot Milk on tour earlier this year – now they’re back at Corp and headlining. Expect catchy hooks, plenty of raw energy and a band very much on the rise. One to watch.
Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ scene kicks off the new year with a host of warm, welcoming gatherings. Rainbow Minds (every Wed) transforms the Sharrow Lane Wellbeing Centre into a friendly café-style meetup for LGBTQ+ adults. Staff and volunteers run light-hearted activities or simply pour tea, ensuring anyone feeling isolated or lonely has a “safe and supportive space” to chat and laugh. In a similar spirit, the Over-50s LGBTQ+ Group (Thu 8 Jan) meets at Weston Park Museum – a dementia- and neurodivergent-friendly peer-support session for older community members. Even bookworms can connect: the Central Library’s LGBTQ+ Reading Group (Wed 7 Jan) invites over-18s to discuss queer-themed fiction in a relaxed, inclusive setting. Whether you’re up for a group chat, a game night or just some easy conversation, these weekly and monthly socials are all about making new friends and having fun together. For those keen to build skills, check out the Freelancer Skills Workshop: “The Creative Facilitator’s Playbook” (Mon 12 Jan) at Gut Level. This handson, energising session (a Fair Collective and Culture Sheffield collaboration) shows creative people how to design and lead engaging workshops. Expect warm-up games, storytelling exercises and tips on “reading the room” and 66 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
managing group energy. You’ll connect with other freelancers and come away with new facilitation tools – from visual aids to confidence-boosting techniques – all aimed at sparking community creativity and even new income streams. Led by experienced practitioner Valerie Monti Holland, the workshop is perfect whether you’re dreaming of leading your own events or just want fresh ideas for arts projects. Laughter is on the menu, too: Quacks (Thu 15 Jan) returns to the Showroom Cinema café. Quacks is Sheffield’s monthly queer comedy open mic for LGBTQ+ folks, women, femmes and allies. It’s a laid-back space where you can try out stand-up for the first time or simply sit back and enjoy others’ new material. (And yes, you can take the stage – email the organisers for a 5-minute slot.) No advance tickets are needed – it’s “pay what you feel” at the door – and the venue is fully wheelchair accessible with a bar on hand if you need liquid courage. In short, Quacks offers an inclusive, friendly night of jokes and community cheer to chase away those winter blues. Finally, The Greystones hosts Delete January with Susie Wilson and Sheffield Writers (Thu 22 Jan), a night of poetry and storytelling guaranteed to brighten your week. Scottish writer
Susie Wilson (dubbed “tough but tender”) leads the bill, sharing pieces from her new pamphlet Nowhere Near As Safe As A Snake In Bed – a darkly funny collection about living with advanced melanoma. Fellow Greystones regular Jayne Lockwood will read from Heartroot, her magic-realist novel about a girl born of a sacred deer’s. Local veteran poet Roger Waldron (known for his wry Sheffield-flavoured verse) is joined by Yorkshire wordsmith Lemma Dore and writer Lauren O’Donoghue. Together they’ll spin everything from whimsical nature poems to folkloretinged flash fiction – Lauren’s stories in Bare Hill explore identity and belonging in England’s Malvern Hills. It’s an uplifting celebration of queer artistry and resilience – a perfect way to delete January with friends and fellow creatives. No matter your age or interest, Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ community has something in store this January – from cosy café chats to wild comedy and inspiring performances – so grab your rainbow flag and get involved! That’s your lot for this month. Make sure to check out the latest event announcements at facebook.com/ sheffieldlgbtevents.
Words: Isobel O’Mahony
JESSICA AJUYAH The Sheffield-based artist and graphic designer talks Isobel O’Mahony through her vibrant collection of woman-centred paintings in The Shape of Memory. How has the collection developed since you started?
I had been drawing the things that were exhibited over different stages of my life – they all held different versions of me, so everything just took time. Usually when I draw, I always draw women. When I first started, they were outward, beautiful compositions about individuality and selfexpression. As I started listening to people’s stories, everything became more personal and much deeper. Looking at societal pressures that unfortunately have become normalised, and the importance of resilience and expressing yourself, the drawing started to shift. 68 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
What was the creation process like, from painting to exhibition?
Some paintings took much longer than anticipated – I think the shortest was around three months, as I was experimenting with texture and hues. In Raspberry, you just had one pinkish tone, and layering that – where everything looks the same but is subtly different – was kind of hard to do. I worked a lot with black backgrounds, so I was very conscious of what colours would show and thought about moods and emotions. Working with different skin tones as well, I was very intentional with complementary colours. Another very surreal moment was when it was
printed – the first time seeing it physically. It was really rewarding, after making sure the paper and printing style was good enough to show exactly how it looked on screen. I wanted the works to be alive even from a distance – so when somebody’s looking at it from across the room, they could see the contrast and the colours really well. Obviously, I assume all the pieces are very dear to you – but are there any that particularly stand out?
Órjógún – the memories of making it and the meaning behind it collide in a very special way. It reflects on self-resilience and strength by showing this really strong woman who can take on whatever comes her way. You can see her nose is bleeding, she has these scars, but she comes out of it beautifully and is able to overcome. I made it when I had just graduated and everything was new. I was thinking, okay, what are my goals for 2025? How do I navigate this new life that I’m going to be living? There were
so many uncertainties, and creating was a way for me to escape while also remembering what I was going through. I don’t know what would have happened if I wasn’t making these paintings during that free time – I was being productive and just expressing myself in any way I thought I could. Muted Bloom and Raspberry were also very special to showcase in the exhibition because they’re supposed to be shown together, to highlight contrast. Raspberry explores how we should show different sides of who we are – especially as women – even though some aspects may not be accepted. Muted Bloom shows how, when you listen to that outside voice and what society thinks you’re supposed to do, you get lost, and we never really get to see who that person is. You held the exhibition in November at Soho Yard. What was it like hosting your own show?
I’ve always wanted to host exhibitions. At Hallam
[University] I joined the Exhibition Society, where we would learn the ins and outs of hosting. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and doing it solo was very exciting. The reception was great – there were interesting reactions from men, because I feel they kind of got lost in it, just smiling. For women, they would tell me, yes, this is the unfortunate thing that happens, but it was nice to see it in a different way – celebrating how it would be if it wasn’t the case. It was lovely to hear those conversations, shared memories and experiences. While I was making it, it was very private – it was mostly my family who saw it. You know how mums are – she would be like, oh my gosh, this is so pretty. But I don’t think she really saw the depth of it until the exhibition. The exhibition itself made me realise how important it is to express yourself and show things to other people. There’s this collective way we come together, talk about things and learn from each other.
Finally, you said your work aims to leave a lasting impact. What mark do you want The Shape of Memory to make?
The collection is online now, but I want my work somewhere people can sit and really absorb it. Currently my main goal is to see if it could be exhibited in my home country, Nigeria. I feel it would really resonate with a lot of people. Raspberry and Muted Bloom were done with married women of my home country in mind. Of course, not all marriages are like this – but some women have to dim their lights to appease, to not make their husbands feel intimidated. I’m hoping when they see it, there’s a bit of a shift where they feel they don’t have to change who they are to please. More than anything, I hope whoever sees it starts to appreciate and value those quiet, unseen moments. I hope it encourages people to reflect on their own stories and memories – as well as shape them. jessicaajuyah.com // @euqinhcet.wk
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HOME TRUTHS
Pay-as-you-feel play explores migration, family and the silence around divorce
UNQUIET LANDSCAPES YORKSHIRE ARTSPACE // 1-24 JAN // FREE Unquiet Landscapes brings together 38 contemporary artists to explore places that are real and imagined, psychological and metaphorical. Inspired by Christopher Neve’s Unquiet Landscape, the exhibition continues YAS’s celebrated painting series, offering a thoughtful reflection on how we experience and understand landscape today. yaspace.org.uk
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW LYCEUM // 12-17 JAN // £15-£63.50 Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show returns to Sheffield as part of a new world tour. Join Brad and Janet on a wild night of frocks, fun and unforgettable tunes including ‘Time Warp’ and ‘Sweet Transvestite’ in this iconic, high-energy musical directed by Christopher Luscombe. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
TIME AT THE BAR
A bold new play from Sheffield’s Roots Mbili Theatre is tackling a subject often left unspoken – the impact of migration on marriage and family life. Kubulaya: Away From Home, written and directed by Ugandan-born John Rwothomack, premieres at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse on Wednesday 14 January. Based on interviews with sub-Saharan African migrants in Sheffield, the play offers a powerful look at identity, faith and shifting gender roles within families adjusting to life in the UK. Set on the 17th birthday of Ntanda, the drama unfolds over dinner with her Zambian family. Her mum Vera is a nurse, her dad Nelson a care worker longing for his former status as a businessman, and her older brother Mulenga has just returned from university. A confession during the evening sends shockwaves through the household – forcing the audience to witness a deeply personal family crisis. “It’s not about finding solutions,” said John. “It’s about starting the conversation. This is happening in communities like mine and we need to talk about it.” The play draws from the writer’s own observations, including insights from a local pastor who claimed 98 per cent of the migrant couples he counselled 70 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
had separated. It taps into wider social patterns too – the UK divorce rate currently stands at 42 per cent. The January preview will present the first five scenes of the play, with the full production to include nine – each inspired by a traditional Bemba wedding rite from Zambia. Original music by Zambian artist James Sakala adds a lyrical thread throughout, echoing the storytelling traditions of the region. Tickets for the debut are available on a pay-what-you-decide basis, starting at just £5. The event is part of Roots Mbili Theatre’s mission to bring underrepresented voices to Sheffield’s stages, following its recent appointment as an associate company at Sheffield Theatres. To book, visit sheffieldtheatres. co.uk
CADS (DENBY STREET) // 23–24 JAN // £11 A darkly comic, time-slipping drama that begins at a wake and ends on a night out like no other. Following siblings Isaac and John and their close friend Tina, the play dives into grief, family friction and the rituals of nightlife. When an evening at long-running club Borealis sends the trio back to 1994, cheap pints and rave culture collide with unresolved emotions.
buttersideuptheatre.com
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD LYCEUM // 27 JAN-7 FEB // £15£56 Aaron Sorkin’s gripping adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird brings Harper Lee’s classic to the stage with powerful results. Set in 1934 Alabama, this courtroom drama follows lawyer Atticus Finch as he seeks truth and justice in a divided town. Now touring the UK & Ireland, directed by Bartlett Sher.
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
MY BROTHER’S A GENIUS PLAYHOUSE // 28 JAN-14 FEB // £15 Poetry, grime and dance collide in Stevenson’s bold new play about flying, failing and finding your own path. Twins Daisy and Luke grow up labelled “idiot” and “genius” – but will their bond lift them up or tear them apart? A funny, moving take on neurodiversity and ambition.
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk