The Flood musical on tour

Folk musical The Flood - based on accounts of flooding in the Calder Valley on Boxing Day 2015 - is on tour, opening at Leeds Playhouse (April 19).

On that day the picturesque town of Hebden Bridge was devastated by the worst floods in a century; homes and businesses were submerged and lives turned upside down. But amid the chaos the spirit of the area rose as neighbours joined forces and the town rebuilt itself - giving artists new inspiration.

Performed by a cast of five actor-musicians from AKA Theatre Company, the show blends live traditional music and storytelling as a celebration of the strength of community.

Director and (perhaps unfortunately-named) writer Lucie Raine explained: “This is a story about what it means to come together when everything falls apart. It’s not just a play; it’s a tribute to resilience and creativity, inspired by Hebden Bridge and its people."

After Leeds, The Flood tours to Chester Storyhouse (April 24-26); The Atkinson, Southport (May 1); Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond (May 2); 53two in Manchester (May 7-8); Friargate Theatre, York (May 9-10); Hull Truck Theatre (May 13) and Hebden Bridge Little Theatre (May 16-17).

More info and tickets here

And this how bad the real thing was...