Calling Barnsley

A collection of vivid and revelatory monologues from the people of Barnsley, by award-winning theatre company LUNG, with a foreword by Ian McMillan.

In Barnsley town, emergency services stand on a bridge trying to save a stranger’s life. At a sports hall in Penistone, a pair of sumo wrestlers prepare to fight. Up Goldthorpe way, a burning effigy of Maggie Thatcher is paraded down the high street.

This is Barnsley, speaking for itself – past, present and future.

Calling Barnsley was first produced as an audio installation in a public phone box at Barnsley Civic arts centre in January 2025.

‘LUNG’s work continues to challenge and inspire the nation, consistently creating bold, deeply human work like Calling Barnsley – a timely collection of monologues that bring real voices vividly to life.’ Indhu Rubasingham, Artistic Director, National Theatre

‘This book is Barnsley through and through: tender, funny, and beautifully real. A true celebration of the voices that make us who we are.’ Kate Rusby, singer-songwriter

‘Barnsley made me a tough, ambitious, cultured, proud Yorkshirewoman. This book proves I’m not alone in loving our little town.’ Jenni Murray, broadcaster

‘The pieces in this collection resound with genuine authenticity of place and character, this is the heartbeat of South Yorkshire. Writing so full of the stuff of life you can almost taste it.’ John Godber OBE, playwright

‘Moor rattle than a can o’ mabs.’ Ian McMillan, poet

Author Biography

Founded in 2014, LUNG is a campaign-led arts charity working across the UK to make hidden voices heard. They are company-in-residence with the National Theatre and partners with The Lowry in Salford. Their previous shows include The 56 (adapted for BBC Radio 4), E15, Who Cares, Trojan Horse (performed in Parliament), Woodhill and The Children’s Inquiry. They have run proactive campaigns for change, and produced educational resources, alongside each of these projects.