Hands Up Who’s Happy? – A Play by Steve Cooper

Activities at The Whitaker

Hands Up Who’s Happy? – A Play by Steve Cooper

Hands Up Who’s Happy? is a fast-paced, thought-provoking comedy with a small cast, a big heart - and happy songs!

As part of their commitment to community outreach, Bury Art Museum have sent casual gallery-assistant, Carl, to The Whitaker museum (Julie Walters turned the gig down).

He attempts to deliver a celebratory presentation, exploring the lasting legacy of local museums, and bigging-up some of the icons that have put Bury on the map; but his assumptions and long-held beliefs are challenged by a feisty young woman, Sam, who refuses to let Carl ignore the realities of history, the role of arts in society and the nature of happiness in the 21st Century.

After being granted privileged permission to rummage through Victoria Wood’s personal archive, Rawtenstall born Steve Cooper has produced a short play that celebrates her style and humour, without being too fawning. She wasn’t a fan of fawning.

“We’d like to apologise to viewers in the north, it must be awful for them.” - Victoria Wood