SAINTS, songs and local tales were the theme at a Citadel performance put on specially by residents last Sunday (March 13).

There was standing room only for A Proper St Helens Knees Up, which saw art duo Sara Cocker & Léonie Higgins of Eggs Collective work with locals from Reeve Court, Raglan Court and Parr Mount since January to create the one-off afternoon of St Helens entertainment at the venue.

An invited audience of 126 friends and family enjoyed the show.

Comedy, theatre, pints and Pimmies pies were the order of the day with Annie’s Song and Oh When The Saints providing the soundtrack.

Suzanne Dempsey, producer at the Heart of Glass, said: “At the time of the workshops residents were understandably nervy about appearing on stage, but they delivered in style in front of a packed out theatre.

“The show was amazing and a real good knees up for all involved. The aim of the project was to work with residents to create a really special event, unique to St Helens, which would bring friends and family together for a right good knees up."

She added: “I think the participants all did amazingly. Many of them have never been on stage before that show and were understandably nervous, but you would never have guessed. They all threw themselves into it like professionals and had looked like they were having a great time up there.”

The audience loved it. I don't think anyone knew what to expect, they came with an open mind and got involved. Which was really the point of the event, we just wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and celebrate their town.”

Sara Cocker, of Eggs Collective, added: “When Heart of Glass asked us to make this show, we decided that we wanted to make it a show that couldn’t have been made anywhere else in the world. We wanted it to be something specifically ‘St Helens’. But we didn’t know where to start. Luckily, we met people from all over the town who have given us a thorough education.”

Something that was mentioned by everyone we spoke to was big nights out, club land, good times. We wanted it to feel part-party, part-show, where anything goes and everyone’s welcome.”

We’ve learnt that St Helens is somewhere that proud to be from. And we’re proud to call ourselves friends.”