It’s Panto Season and the fairytales have only just begun!

So, of course, this month’s theatre selection had to feature a healthy portion of pantomimes – a particular shout out to both Brixton House’s and Lyric Hammersmith’s take on Cinderella and let’s not forget Jack and the Beanstalk and Theatre Royal Stratford East.

But, if shouting “he’s behind you!” isn’t really your jam, make sure to catch New Diorama theatre’s Brenda’s Got A Baby or Kwame Owusu’s Dreaming While Drowning at the Bush Theatre …

Brenda’s Got a Baby written by Jessica Hagan

After an unexpected break-up and beaten down by comparison to her married little sister, Ama embarks on a frenzied journey to become a mother.

Rollercoastering from a Black sperm donor shortage to a racialised healthcare system – and an overbearing family of her own – Ama’s charging head-first into embarrassing conversations, awkward encounters and defiant decisions.

Brenda’s Got A Baby runs Tuesday 31st October – Saturday 2nd December @ New Diorama Theatre

Influence starring Kit Young @ Collective Theatre

Influence tells The Magician’s story.

Descended from and inspired by a long line of mentalists, conjurers, and illusionists, for the first time, he brings his skills in acting and magic together, to present an enchanting journey through a long-forgotten act that he is going to bring back to life…

Influence runs Until Saturday 2nd December @ Collective Theatre

Two Stranger (Carry A Cake Across New York) starring Dujonna Gift

Dougal is a naive, impossibly upbeat Brit, flying to New York for his Dad’s second wedding. The Dad he’s never known.

Waiting for him at the airport is Robin, the sister of the bride. She’s a native New Yorker, she’s late for work, and she doesn’t have time to stop and see the sights.

Instant attraction? Definitely not.

But with an extravagant wedding approaching and the city at their feet…anything could happen.

Two Stranger (Carry A Cake Across New York) runs Tuesday 14th November 2023 – Saturday 20th January 2024 @ Kiln Theatre

Life of Pi – Chichester Festival Theatre

After an epic storm in the Pacific Ocean, Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger.

Life of Pi runs Thursday 16th November – Saturday 2nd December @ Chichester Festival Theatre

The House Of Bernarda Alba starring Isis Hainsworth and Rosalind Eleazar.

In the domain of Bernarda Alba, a daughter who disobeys is no longer a daughter. 

Forced to live under their mother’s tight grip as they mourn their father’s death, can five sisters survive when young Adela dares for passion and freedom?

The House Of Bernarda Alba Thursday 16th November 2023 – Saturday 6th January 2024 @ National Theatre’s Lyttelton theatre

Cinderella, script and lyrics by Danusia Samal with music by Duramaney Kamara and directed by Ola Ince

Welcome to Brixton Lane! Forget the glass slipper or the pumpkin carriage this Christmas; join Sindi-Ella in this reimagined tale of Cinderella full of magic, music… and home-grown vegetables!
 
Just like her dad, Brixton’s most beloved greengrocer, Sindi-Ella loves plants and growing things. It’s a welcome distraction from the turbulence of growing up and grieving the loss of her father… not that Sindi wants to talk about that. 
 
Stuck with her bougie step-mum and her South London-hating step-sister, Sindi’s only got her trusty delphinium to talk to. Until a chance meeting with Charmz, Brixton’s biggest influencer, sparks something unexpected…
 
Meanwhile, in a state-of-the-art newbuild across the way, Charmz is sick of living their life online and is looking for a meaningful connection. What better way than to host a party? Sindi is desperate to go. But can she make it to the ball with trouble brewing at home? Perhaps her loyal houseplants can help?  

Cinderella runs 23 November – 31 December 2023 @ Brixton House

Jack And The Beanstalk directed by Denzel Westley-Sanderson

Welcome to Splatford! Jack lives here with his cow, Winnie The Moo, and his mum, Milky Linda. The town is home to a magical marsh full of healing mud, which Jack and his pals spend their days mining. But there’s a BIG problem: Giant Belch. He dominates Splatford from the sky – stealing the mud, charging outrageous rents and polluting the air with his burps and farts!

One odd shepherd, a handful of beans and an unexpected beanstalk later, Jack is on a life-changing journey. Can he reach the top? Can he defeat Flesh Creep – Belch’s hateful henchwoman who has seriously got it in for him? Can he triumph over Belch and be crowned Splatford’s unlikely hero? And can he make Milky Linda proud?

Jack And The Beanstalk Saturday 18th November 2023 – Saturday 6th January 2024 @ Theatre Royal Stratford East

Cinderella directed by Tonderai Munyevu

Cinderella is a bonafide boss-lady who runs her own business at Shepherd’s Bush Market. One day the most handsome Prince Henry, who dreams of a life less spare, wears a disguise to the Market and falls instantly in love with Cinderella. With the paparazzi in hot pursuit, the Prince is forced to flee. And so begins the quest to unite the unlikeliest of likely romances, Cinderella and the hapless Prince. But will Cinderella’s step-sisters Muffy and Gusset and step-mother Lady Jelly Bottom get in the way of their happily ever after? Of course they will, it’s panto.

Cinderella Saturday 18th November 2023 – Saturday 6th January 2024 @ Lyric Theatre

Dreaming and Drowning by Kwame Owusu

Malachi’s been looking forward to a fresh start at uni for months. He’s settling in, he’s got a stack of books to read and he’s met someone new – Kojo, a musician with a megawatt smile, who’s basically perfect.

But something doesn’t feel right. He keeps having the same nightmare – sinking, crushed by the weight of the ocean – and it’s getting worse… A beast grows in the water, hungry, relentless, hunting him but always just out of sight. As the boundaries between nightmare and reality fracture, Malachi must fight harder than ever to stay afloat.

Dreaming and Drowning runs Tuesday November 28th – Saturday December 23rd @ Bush Theatre

The Box of Delights starring Callum Balmforth, Janet Etuk and Mae Munuo

After a seemingly chance encounter on a train, orphaned schoolboy Kay Harker finds himself the guardian of a small wooden box with powers beyond his wildest dreams. Caught up in a battle between two powerful magicians, Kay fights to save not just the people he loves but also the future of Christmas itself.

The Box of Delights run until Sunday 7th January 2024 @ The Royal Shakespeare Theatre

EXCLUDED! devised by the intermission youth theatre

Meet Miss Portia. A secondary school teacher who’s trying to get her Year 11 students to focus on their upcoming GCSEs but how can she when Hamlet’s grieving her father, Othello has been accused of something he hasn’t done and Isabel is forced to confront her own fate! This is no ordinary class. The students are iconic characters from the plays of William Shakespeare and as tensions rise, can Miss Portia steer them away from committing decisions which could change their lives forever?

EXCLUDED! runs Wednesday 29th November – Saturday 16th December @ Arcola Theatre

TAMING WHO? Adapted Darren Raymond and directed by Stevie Basaula

Devised by the intermission youth theatre

Petruchio is studying at university and loving London life. An unexpected call from Mum, beckoning him back home to Nigeria, requires him to think on his feet and fast. What could he say to make her change her mind? “Mum I’m married!”. Overjoyed by this news, Mum agrees to let him stay and announces her arrival in London – in 3 days – to meet her….. Mortified, Petruchio needs to find a wife and fast!

TAMING WHO? runs Thursday 30th November – Thursday 14th December @ Arcola Theatre

Theatre highlights this October include Clyde’s at Donmar Warehouse.

You can also catch Elephant by Anoushka Lucas and Mustapha Matura’s Meetings directed by JMK Prize winner Kalungi Ssebandeke

Dugsi Dayz by Sabrina Ali.

Four students find themselves stuck in dugsi detention…

What did they do to end up here? And is there any chance of them getting on? Salma, Yasmin, Munira, and Hani each see the world in radically different ways. As they subvert Somali folk tales and reminisce about their childhoods, this hour together may reveal that they have more in common than they thought.

Dugsi Dayz runs at New Diorama Theatre from 3-14 October 2023.

Othello starring Martins Imhangbe

Othello is at the peak of his success – in life, in war, and in love until he finds himself utterly betrayed by the person he trusted the most.

Othello runs at Riverside Studios Wednesday from 4th-Sunday 29th October 2023.

FLIP! by Racheal Ofori directed by Emily Aboud

Examining the relationship between two young Black women and an obsession with social media.

Meet Carleen and Crystal. The influencers with cultural commentary that will have you in stitches! Love them or hate them, there’s no stopping their fast-growing online following.

Offline, Carleen has her reservations about their cyber personas, but she idolises Crystal and would follow her anywhere…even to FLIP!, the new social media giant that has everyone hooked – and Carleen and Crystal are no exception; especially when it seems that their videos could make them famous.

Superstardom, followers, fame, influence, money: it’s all just one click away. FLIP! is the answer to everything they’ve ever dreamed of. But is it too good to be true?

Flip! tours the UK opening Alphabetti in Newcastle (10-28 Oct), before Summerhall in Edinburgh (30 Oct – 4 Nov) and Soho Theatre in London (7-25 Nov).

Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney

Pharus, a young, black, queer student leading the legendary gospel choir at his elite, all-boys prep school in America.

When Pharus’ pride is hurt by one of his fellow students, we’re sent on an electrifying voyage through the growing pains of humanity, as the boys navigate sexuality, race, identity, and brotherhood in their journey to becoming men.

This tender, coming-of-age story is threaded throughout with soul-stirring a cappella gospel hymns and spirituals. It is a beautiful, joyous play which rejoices in all that it means to march to your own drum.

Choir Boy runs at The Bristol Old Vic from Thursday 12th October – Saturday 11th November 2023.

Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage directed by Lynette Linton

It’s kind of a ritual, we speak the truth. Then, let go and cook.

In the bustling kitchen of a run-down Pennsylvania truck stop, the formerly incarcerated staff have been given a second chance. Under the tyrannical eye of their boss Clyde, this unlikely team strives to create the perfect sandwich, as they dream of leaving their past mistakes behind for a better life.

Clyde’s runs at Donmar Warehouse from Friday 13th October – Tuesday 2nd December 2023.

Elephant by Anoushka Lucas

A piano came through the sky and landed in Lylah’s council flat, just for her. As she pours over the keys and sound floods into all the rooms, Lylah falls in love. At school, Lylah can’t ask questions – she’s got to be good, good, good or else she’ll lose her scholarship. At home she can’t ask questions; her cousins say she talks weird, and her parents are distracted. 

So she asks her piano: Where did you come from? Why are you here? And their shared history tumbles into the light. Part gig, part piano lesson, part journey through Empire – Elephant is a new Bush commission thatfirst appeared as part of the Bush’s Protest series, a response to the murder of George Floyd.

Elephant runs at Bush Theatre, London from Saturday 14th October – Saturday 4th November 2023.

Meetings directed by Kalungi Ssebandeke

To the bemusement of his wife Jane, Hugh becomes obsessed with the foods of his Trinidadian childhood and hires cook, Elsa to indulge his nostalgic passion.

Meetings runs at Orange Tree Theatre from Wednesday 18th October – Saturday 11th November 2023.

The Night Woman by Julene Robinson

Inspired by the true story of Robinson’s grandmother who was shunned and ostracised to the dark corners of post colonial Jamaica due to her African spiritual beliefs, The Night Woman acts as a reminder that even though misery and suffering exist in the darkness, it is also where love is made and resistance is formed. 

Skilfully portraying three different women who’ve found strength in unexpected places, Robinson guides the audience on an exhilarating journey transitioning through time and generations ending in our present day, with Jamaican folk songs and Afro-Caribbean movement and music taking centre stage.

The Night Woman runs at The Pit, Barbican from Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st October 2023.

Roll Your Sleeves With Eve by Shamila Sulaiman

part of Theatre Peckham’s Young Gifted & Black festival coordinated by Jamel Alatise.

RYSWE is a futuristic piece, set in 2050. A romantic comedy/drama about a badly behaved celebrity chef who goes through intrusive, borderline illegal therapy to confront her demons from her chaotic past, both romantic and familial relationships – all broadcasted for the world to see.

Roll Your Sleeves With Eve runs at Theatre Peckham from Friday 20th – Sunday 22nd October 2023.

One Drop by Sonya Lindfors

Defying definition and belonging to multiple categories, the work dives into the poetics and politics of relations, creating a performance that reignites connections lost or forgotten.

The title of the work refers to two separate concepts – the one drop rhythm which is a reggae style drum beat as well as to the one drop rule of the Race Separation Act, created in the United States in the early 1900s, according to which a single drop of “Black blood” made a person “Black” despite their appearance. Through its multiple starting points, the work interrogates the ghosts of the Western stage and its entanglements and relationships to capitalism, coloniality and modernity.

One Drop runs at Battersea Arts Centre from Thursday 19th – Friday 20th October.

Founder of New Slang Productions, events producer/curator, mentor to youth, creator of the new play ‘Tomorrow is Not Promised’… Let’s get to know Tian Glasgow …

Please introduce yourself …

I’m Tian Glasgow a 40 year old queer cis Black man who grew up in Tottenham, London and have been based in Manchester since 2019. I founded the theatre company New Slang Productions in 2011.
I am primarily a Theatre Director but wear many hats; in my 12 years in the industry I also have worked as a Senior Producer of theatre, arts and music events. Between 2013 -2019 working on Fertility Fest, Barbican Creative Learning and Culture Mile projects, Walthamstow Garden Party, The Sick of the Fringe: Care and Destruction Festival, Love Supreme Music Festival and London Jazz Festival. Also, since 2020, I have taught MA Acting at ALRA and LIPA. Most recently, I was awarded the STUN x Lowry Associate Artist grant to create my new piece Tomorrow is Not Promised in 2021 which has finally found its way to the Edinburgh Fringe! For 4 years, I have also proudly been the Manchester Programme Coordinator for Arts Emergency – a youth mentoring charity.

What started you on this particular career path?

The thread running through my work has always been around social concerns such as race and class and how it affects communities. I began working in TV and documentaries but found that I fell in love with the freedom and stylistic techniques of presenting stories on the stage. It also combined with all that I learned from working on community arts events where the art sits alongside the importance of the experience of the people involved. I’m a big advocate of wellbeing practices in the arts including supporting the creation process with wellbeing dramaturgy for all involved.

What are you working on now?

Tomorrow is not Promised is my new theatre piece about a Black British woman who finds herself homeless and alone after an earthquake. She embarks on a courageous journey towards healing, through grief, loss and great change. She awakens to find her house destroyed leaving only her door which she can’t seem to abandon. While deciding whether to rebuild or to start again, she encounters Suzanne who has suffered her own loss. The two decide to try and help others in the hopes of healing themselves.

I created this show as a way of thinking about and presenting stories about grief in a new way. I also wanted to create a show where I can depict how I’ve seen Black women in my life working to support each other. I created it in a magical realist space where an earthquake can be used as a metaphor for change but also an almost Afro-Futurist world where the women can exist without the pressures of racism or mysogynoir.

What are you watching?

I’ve been watching Love to Love You, Donna Summer, Triangle of Sadness and Fleishman is in Trouble.

What are you reading?

My reading has been so low since pandemic but I’m so proud to say I’m currently reading books written by fantastic friends of mine A River Called Time by Courttia Newland and Here Again Now by Okechukwu Nzelu

What are you listening to?

I still consistently have on loop Lianne La Havas’s self-titled album since 2020, slightly newer is Capricorn Sun by TSHA and very unsurprisingly Beyonce’s Renaissance.

Last thing you saw on stage?

The fantastic Untitled F**k Miss Saigon play at Royal Exchange and wonderful Dugsi Days here at the Fringe.

Whose footsteps are you following in?

A very hard question to answer. I’d say I’m super inspired by Tarell Alvin McCraney with his superb plays such as The Brother Size and Choir Boy.

What’s next?

Hoping to send Tomorrow is not Promised around on tour in the future and also will begin work this autumn on a new piece currently with a working title of Code Switch.

Where can we see you?

Currently, Tomorrow is not Promised is running at the Edinburgh Fringe from 3rd – 13th August at 5pm in Underbelly Cowgate.

What’s your socials?

My Twitter: @TianGlasgow. My Insta: @glasgae_sky | New Slang Productions Twitter: @newslangprod. New Slang Productions Insta: @newslangprod

Sylvia, the newest musical to propel itself onto the Old Vic stage!

Sylvia revisits the fight for women’s suffrage in the UK from over 100 years ago. Rather than focusing on Emmeline – the dominant figure and leader of the Suffragettes – Sylvia instead unveils the story of Sylvia Pankhurst, a daring revolutionary and activist in her own right. Kate Prince’s use of funk, soul and hip-hop to modernise a historical retelling seemingly gets key inspiration from Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, and it is as polished and slickly choreographed as one would expect from a show that has been developed since 2018.

The standout aspect of the musical is, befittingly, the music, with references in dialogue to various musicians (Aretha Franklin, Ludacris, and Montell Jordan, to name a few) paying homage to the inspiration behind the original compositions of Josh Cohen and DJ Walde. The work was bolstered by the use of the live band aloft on stage, revealed at some points and half-hidden behind netting in others. The quality of musical performance also extends to the actors, with the mother-daughter duo (Beverley Knight as Emmeline and Sharon Rose as Sylvia) dazzling on the stage, particularly when Rose takes centre stage in the latter half and breaks away from her mother’s shadow. The quality of the performance doesn’t stop with just singing, with the level of rapping (particularly by Kelly Agbowu) also being a delightful addition to the range of the piece.

The visuals were aptly impressive, particularly with the use of video projections (Andrzej Goulding), utilised to position both time, and place, and also as a work of art in their own right. One notable example would be with the introduction of Winston Churchill’s overbearing mother, jumping onto the stage with a thumping jungle beat complete with a rotating kaleidoscopic background. The monochrome colour scheme also subtly included suffragette colours in a manner that felt natural. The video worked in tandem with the lighting (Natasha Chivers), used particularly well during the musical number ‘Hey Sis’, spotlighting each of the issues in Sylvia’s tumultuous life.

I was also very drawn to the use of costuming (Ben Stones), using a very clever base of white shirts and long
black skirts (or trousers) to build upon with suit jackets, long coats, or aprons, easily modified with quick changes off and on-stage. The red splashes of socialism were also an interesting choice, lighting up the stage in the second half, breaking away from the uniformity of Emmeline’s strict control.

While there is much to be commended for the modernising of the play, there were some key flaws that perhaps remain intrinsic to the nature of creating a biopic about a section from a person’s long and turbulent life. The relationship between Sylvia and Labour Leader Keir Hardie (no, not that Keir), was presented in a manner that made me feel, at points, deeply uncomfortable. The opening number to establish their relationship, ‘Did You See Me’ begins with Sylvia declaring her love for him that began when she was 7 and he was … 26. Alex Gaumond does what he can with the role, but ultimately it’s just far too difficult to support it. Their affair trudges through much of the play, and while we are supposed to root for them (or at least, be frustrated that they cannot be together), I will admit that I was relieved by its eventual conclusion.

This relationship also detracts from the romance Sylvia forms with fellow socialist Sylvio Corio (Sweeney), which was barely given time during a muddled second half that loses the tight pacing structure of the first. Other aspects of characterisation lost my favour, particularly the role of Winston Churchill (Jay Perry), who is at times the chief antagonist, and at others, a simpering mummy’s boy. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of his character was the introduction of his mother (Jade Hackett), a scene-stealing delight. Churchill’s recalcitrance fell short in comparison to the layered and enticingly complex nature of Emmeline’s anti-socialist, anti-pacifist, and eventually, conservative, stance.

Sylvia is a play about conflict within family, ideology, and one’s own self. It is also a musical that seems to find conflict within itself, daring and thrilling in some parts, and yet working against itself in others. In the areas it succeeds in, it does brilliantly. It is hard to watch without some comparison to the current state of politics, with the ideological divisions and the phrase ‘this is an illegal protest’ sending a chill down my spine at how little (and yet how far) we have come. Ultimately, Kate Prince has taken the funky historical-fiction fervour and moulded it into a work that spotlights a revolutionary who was not concerned with equal rights for some, but for all.

Theatre highlights this October include tiata fahodzi’s triple bill Talking About a Revolution at the Lyric Theatre.

If you want to catch some live dance, make sure to check out Dickson Mbi’s Enowata at Sadler’s Wells, Cherish Menzo’s Jezebel at the Battersea Arts Centre or the Change Tempo triple bill at Brixton House Theatre.

Talking About a Revolution by Diana Nneka Atuona, babirye bukilwa and Malaika Kegode

British African heritage contemporary theatre company tiata fahodzi presents a triple bill of short plays and world premieres by Diana Nneka Atuona, babirye bukilwa and Malaika Kegode. Two Black lesbians kidnap Black celebrity mogul Kevin West. A trans woman refuses to leave the women’s changing room. And an Incel’s cousin takes to Instagram Live. Three exciting voices in British theatre respond to the moment we find ourselves in with their own versions of revolution – unvarnished, honest and raw.

Talking About a Revolution plays at the Lyric from Wednesday 12th October-Saturday 15^th October

Book tickets and find out more here.

Elephant by Anoushka Lucas

A piano came through the sky and landed in Lylah’s council flat, just for her. As she pours over the keys and sound floods into all the rooms, Lylah falls in love. At school, Lylah can’t ask questions – she’s got to be good, good, good or else she’ll lose her scholarship. At home she can’t ask questions; her cousins say she talks weird, and her parents are distracted. 

So she asks her piano: Where did you come from? Why are you here? And their shared history tumbles into the light. Part gig, part piano lesson, part journey through Empire – Elephant is a new Bush commission thatfirst appeared as part of the Bush’s Protest series, a response to the murder of George Floyd.

Elephant plays at the Bush Theatre from Monday 24^th October-Saturday 12^th November.

Book tickets and find out more here.

King Hamlin by Gloria Williams

After his dad dies, Hamlin’s goal is to finish school, get a good job, and build a better life for himself and his mum, Mama H. When live-wire Quinn and troubled Nic offer Hamlin easy money in return for some county line drug trafficking, his dreams, his mother’s hopes and the friendship of the three are put to the test. Will Hamlin stand his ground or end up on the wrong side of the tracks?   

King Hamlin plays at the Park Theatre from Wednesday 19^th October-Saturday 12^th November.

Book tickets and find out more here.

Yellowman by Dael Orlandersmith

Alma and Gene have grown up together. She dreams of a life beyond the confines of their small town. But when their friendship develops into something more serious, Gene’s fate becomes tragically intertwined with hers and they can’t escape the legacy of racism and the tensions within their own community.

Yellowman streams on demand from Tuesday 11^th October-Friday 14^th October.

Book tickets and find out more here.

Grandad Anansi by Elayne Ogbeta

Abi and her Grandad tell each other Anansi folktales. They play games as they work together in the garden among the beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables. As they plant memories, they share secrets and develop a bond that nothing can break. Grandad is as smart and mischievous as the wily Anansi legend. Can he find a way to tell his granddaughter about his plans to return to Jamaica, his beloved homeland? Join our intrepid characters in this humorous and heartfelt intergenerational adventure, as they step into the unexpected. With evocative live music, Grandad Anansi is an uplifting tale of love, courage and letting go.

Grandad Anansi plays at the Lyric Hammersmith from Tuesday 25^th October-Saturday 29^th October.

Book tickets and find out more here.

Enowate by Dickson Mbi

Inspired by a life-changing journey to his ancestral home in Cameroon, in Enowate Dickson Mbi explores how the animistic practices of his African heritage meet his upbringing in London’s East End. Enowate, meaning ‘truth stands’, draws on sinuous elements of hip-hop and contemporary dance in combination with original music and otherworldly animated projections. In asking the relatable question, ‘who am I?’, he connects with enigmatic forces to reveal himself and emerge from the shadows.

Enowate plays at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Friday 14^th October-Saturday 15^th October.

Book tickets and find out more here.

Hyde & Seek by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu

Set in and around the Azazel Housing Estate in London in the not too distant future, Hyde & Seek is a radical re-imagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Jekyll and Hyde, exploring tensions that exist within our idea of selfhood. This gripping new thriller, told with dynamic lyricism, takes us on a journey through the dualities of light and dark that exist within us all.

Hyde & Seek plays at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama from Monday 24^th October-Saturday 29^th October.

Book tickets and find out more here.

Jezebel by Cherish Menzo

Jezebel is a dance performance inspired by female models who appeared in late 90s hip hop music videos. Images in the mass media often projected females in a hyper-sensualized way, reinforcing stereotypes associated with black / dark / coloured women. Join Jezebel as she navigates the landscape of hip hop culture, searching for ways to reclaim her own image.

Jezebel plays at Battersea Arts Centre from Thursday 6^th October-Friday 14^th October.

Book tickets and find out more here.

I Wonder If devised by the Company

Two people meet. The rest is infinite. She’s moving to Birmingham and he’s from London. They end up at the same party. We think we know how this story ends. But what happens next in this story will be shaped by the choices they make in each moment. As their growing friendship is steered by the changing beat of the drum, they’ll wrestle with which version of themselves they choose to be and the possible futures they could share. 

I Wonder If plays at the Young Vic from Monday 24th October-Saturday 29^th October.

Book tickets and find out more here.

Change Tempo by Luiz de Abreu, Joy Alpuerto Ritter and Linda Hayford

Dance Umbrella is thrilled to bring three international artists to Brixton House for a mixed bill exploring themes of transformation, transmission and representation. In the radical solo work, O Samba do Crioulo Doido, choreography is passed from one Black body to another as Luiz de Abreu and Calixto Neto use dance as a means of deconstructing racialised identities. In BABAE, Joy Alpuerto Ritter combines inherited vocabularies rooted in Philippine folk dance, classical, hip hop and vogue. And, in Shapeshifting, Linda Hayford uses popping to communicate her state of mind – her evocative style conjures an otherworldly existence as she passes from one form to another.

Change Tempo plays at Brixton House Theatre from Wednesday 12^th October-Thursday 13^th October.

Book tickets and find out more here.

Michael Duke is Reggae Legend Bob Marley in Get Up Stand Up!

Michael Duke has been inspiring audiences with his portrayal of the reggae legend since last year, capturing the essence of the entertainer and taking audiences on the powerful journey of Marley’s life. Taking inspiration from Marley’s imaginative lyrics the musical tells his extraordinary life story from beginning to end.

Duke has been working in theatre for 20 years and has previously appeared on the West End in The Inheritance, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Thriller Live and The Lion King.

Taking inspiration from Marley’s imaginative lyrics the musical tells his extraordinary life story from beginning to end. We spoke to Michael in the run-up to the show’s 1st Birthday …

Please introduce yourself

I am an artist of Jamaican heritage, born and raised in South London.

Please share a word or sentence which best describes your life right now…

Exciting!

Bob Marley changed the world with his inspirational message, revolutionary spirit and musical vision. Not only are his big boots to fill! But you have also taken over the role from the fantastic Arinze Kene who was nominated for an Olivier award for Best Actor in a musical playing the role. How did you approach taking on the role full-time [ previously the role’s alternate ], did you jump at the chance or did you have any reservations?

No, I didn’t have any reservations. I was very excited to take on the role – it’s an honour to play such an iconic and revolutionary artist. So for me, with my background and my heritage, it just made so much sense to play the role.

As much as the general story of Bob Marley is known, did you know much about the finer details of his life previously and how have you connected to the character?

I did already know the majority of what is covered and what we explore in the piece, as well as his history. But there were a lot of smaller details which I didn’t know, in terms of who he associated with, how many children he had … A lot of little things which I didn’t know.

I am ashamed to admit it but I am yet to watch the show, as someone who has not seen it can you give us a general overview of Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical and what audiences can expect from this production?

The show celebrates the life and music of Bob Marley, and not only that but celebrates the culture and history of Jamaica in such a huge and powerful way. It’s a joyful show – it’s positive, and it’s not what you expect it to be.

Your career has included some memorable roles in some of the UK’s most iconic shows stemming back 20 years as Young Simba in The Lion King; you have also appeared in the West End run of The Inheritance, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Thriller Live and The Rat Pack LIVE! – when you reflect on your journey which of your roles have been the most validating?

Probably the first one, The Lion King, because that was my first ever role when I was eleven years old. So I guess when we’re talking about validation, that’s probably it. I just remember feeling like this is the best thing that I could ever experience in life. And it was my first job, and I was doing one of the biggest shows in the world. That was so magical to do. And I guess when you’re young and you’re just starting out, there’s not much more validation than that.

What have been the best and most challenging parts of working on Get Up Stand Up!?

My favourite part of working on Get Up, Stand Up! is the audience. I love how expressive they are and how unpredictable they can be. That can also be challenging sometimes!

We recently celebrated Jamaica’s 60th Independence on the 6th of August, with all that Bob Marly stood for did it feel more impactful singing the songs and embodying him on such a day?

I still haven’t quite processed it; it was very emotional. But it was probably the most humbling experience I’ve ever had as a performer to this day. It was special and it was an honour to play that role and do this show on that day. It was beautiful!

You, like many of the other cast members, are of Jamaican heritage. I watched a lovely video on the influence of Jamaican heritage recorded by some of the cast. Can you share with us the importance of this influence for you?

I think there’s so much of the show which feels natural, and comes naturally to me because of my heritage and upbringing, and I love the role and doing this show so much because sometimes I just feel like I’m just being myself on stage, and that feels … I guess that’s also quite validating.

Name your favourite Bob Marley song and how the lyrics inspire you.

That’s very difficult! I’m going to say War is my favourite Bob Marley song because it’s one of my favourite songs to perform in the show. It’s such a powerful, political song. It’s a protest. I think it really represents everything that Bob Marley is about, and – like a lot of his songs – when you take away the music and you just speak the lyrics, it says so much. And the point where it comes in the show, towards the end of Act 1, it’s such a climactic moment that it elevates the power of the song.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU …

• A book you have to have in your collection? The book that I’ve enjoyed the most in the last few years is called Homegoing by a Ghanaian writer called Yaa Gyasi. It’s a brilliant story which weaves the lives of two sisters, separated at birth and have two very different destinies. It’s beautiful.
• A song/album that defines the soundtrack of your life to date? It’s weird, because I feel like this is a question I always imagine being asked but now it’s happening I can’t think of one. I’m going to say the… I Am album by Earth Wind & Fire.
• A film / TV show that you can watch/have watched repeatedly? Insecure.
• The first stage production you saw and what it meant to you (play, dance or concert)? Probably The Lion King. It was just a magical spectacle of spectacularness.

What’s made you sad, mad, and glad this week? I haven’t been sad this week, and I haven’t been mad this week, but I’ve been glad. I’ve been glad to have seen a lot of friends and family.

Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical @Lyric Theatre runs until Sunday 8th January 2023. Book tickets here.

Fan Studios has partnered up with Chivas to bring you a phenomenal event ‘Be Inspired Live: A Live Conversation with Dame Dash’ …

Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Nicky Slimting and Tricky, Presenter of ‘For the Culture‘ podcast, this exclusive event takes place live at the Indigo at The O2, Sunday 9th October 2022.

Be Inspired Live is a real, straight to the point live show, where nothing will be off topic! Bringing you a truly unique and interactive experience and an audience Q&As with one of Hip Hop’s most inspirational music execs, filmmaker and self made entrepreneur – Dame Dash.

Dame Dash who hasn’t been to London in over 14 years, has been working on some amazing projects in film, fashion, and music. He has been an iconic figure in the creative industry and in hip hop culture, inspiring many since his days as co-founder of Rocafella Records alongside Jay Z, discovering Kanye West and starting the career of international comedian and actor Kevin Hart. 

We are excited to be hosting this live event where Dame will be sharing the highs and the lows of his life and his journey to success.

Find out more and book your tickets here.

Queen of Comedy Gina Yashere returns to Hackney Empire on June 24th and 25th.

Tickets can be purchased at www.HackneyEmpire.co.uk.

Global comedian and actor Gina Yashere was runner-up in the 1996 Hackney Empire New Act of the Year competition and has been appearing on TV ever since. She returns to Hackney Empire for two nights in June, honouring the launch of the new Windrush monument in Waterloo.

Gina is one of the best known British comedians, with appearances on iconic TV shows including Live At The Apollo & Mock The Week, as well as creating & performing the hugely popular comedic characters, Tanya & Mrs. Omokerede on The Lenny Henry Show.

She broke into the American comedy scene with her appearances on Last Comic Standing (NBC), where she made it to the final 10, and then never went home! She is currently writing the fourth season of her show she created with Chuck Lorre, Bob Hearts Abishola, for CBS.

Join us for a night of nostalgia, comedic storytelling and celebration as we look back, laugh, and celebrate for the culture.

Other acts on the night include Aurie Styla and Marlon Davis, with some very special guests to be revealed!

Find out more and book your tickets here.

For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Was Too Heavy, places the stories of Black men front and centre.

I was lucky enough to watch the show last year during its sold-out run at New Diorama and for those of us watching it that first time, it felt like we were all in on a little secret – it felt precious and singular. I had never felt so palpably moved by a show and so was eager to hear about its transfer to the Royal Court. This time, Ryan Calais Cameron takes the helm as both writer and director and it is important to see him continue to exercise creative autonomy over this project at this venue.

Inspired by Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls, this iteration of for black boys… returns to its origins as a choreopoem, incorporating more movement sequences choreographed by Theophilus O. Bailey-Godson. The play erupts with a dance sequence led by Jet (played by Nnabiko Ejimofor) who moves fluidly onstage. This addition is noteworthy considering how highly politicised and brutalised the Black body is in the public arena. Indeed, each character alludes to the emotional and physical assaults laid on their body – Sable (played by Darragh Hand) details his experiences of being stopped and searched, Midnight (played by Kaine Lawrence) reckons with his childhood sexual abuse. It was then uplifting to see these Black bodies shake off their heaviness and be light and joyful on their feet. Without the New Diorama’s fitted trampoline, the actors successfully created this buoyancy together, propelling each other into the air which was a powerful visual message – Black men only need each other to fly.

For black boys… shows Black men in all of their lightness and shade – from the ‘Oreo’ Emmanuel Akwafo’s struggles with dating to Mark Akintimehin’s hardened ‘badman’, and to feel so invested and enraptured by this show is testament to the performance of its young cast.

It was, however, in the show’s softer and quieter moments i.e. where Aruna Jalloh’s Obsidian shares his dreams for the future, where I found myself getting emotional, as it was a painful reminder that Black men are often not afforded softness and joy.

Sometimes productions that are explicitly about the Black experience can feel like they are educating the inevitably very white audience that shows up.  For black boys…, however, is not interested in explaining itself – with the show’s title, there is no confusion about who this play seeks to platform and uplift. For black boys… remains one of the best pieces of theatre that I have had the privilege of watching but I am cautious of calling this an essential piece of theatre. To me, this has the same energy as reading lists compiled during BLM and seems a bit voyeuristic into the Black experience. I will say that for black boys… feels like a reminder of what theatre should be – imperative, resonant, honest and urgent.

A shared language is one of the best gifts that a piece of art can give, and Calais Cameron gives not only his actors but also an audience of Black men, a dictionary of emotions. This is an artist who knows what they want to say and most importantly how they want to say it.

For Black Boys… runs until 30th April @ The Royal Court

Illusions of Liberty had its premiere at the King’s Head Theatre, London as part of their Playmill festival in 2019.

Air is invisible. A vibe is invisible. Time is invisible. A giggle is invisible. And so are many illnesses.

Illusions of Liberty tells the story of Liberty Jones a Principal Cellist who for five years she has been plagued with an increasing number of bewildering symptoms. Liberty Jones has just been diagnosed with an invisible illness. Against the backdrop of a ‘hostile environment‘, this Black comedy follows Liberty over four days, where we see her struggle to accept her diagnosis, the relationship between mother and daughter, and what it means to have an illness no one can see. Backed by live music, this funny, poignant semi-autobiographical play challenges us to look below the surface and ‘see’ the invisible. 

Lorna Wells, writer of the play said – “You can look really well, act perfectly ‘normally’ and be suffering from the most crippling symptoms and conditions. This can cause prejudice, misunderstanding, unfair judgment, and a lot of drama. People often say that they’re not pretending to be sick, they’re pretending to be well. I wanted to write something which could tell the stories of people with Invisible illnesses, but also highlight issues around the hostile environment, examine the mother-daughter relationship and racism.”

Meet the cast and creatives

Lorna Wells – Playwright
Despite chronic illness over the years and having to give up career after career, as a Singer-Songwriter, running a dance and vocal workshop for children, and running a music agency, Lorna discovered writing finding it, though challenging, therapeutic. Illusions of Liberty is a semi-autobiographical piece about living with an illness that no one sees. Four years in the making Lorna wanted to give voice to the voiceless. Lorna has previously written the book and lyrics of the musical, It Tastes Like Home, after beginning An MA in Writing for Musical Theatre at Goldsmiths University, London. It Tastes Like Home had three theatre runs in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Lorna is grateful to have received funding for Illusions of Liberty from the Arts Council England for this project.

Corinne Walker – ‘Liberty Jones’
Corinne Walker is a professional actress who trained at East 15 School of Drama. She has worked consistently as a performer and theatre practitioner. She is passionate about championing talent in the South West and has links with the Tobacco Factory, Bristol Old Vic, Beyond Face, Missing Pieces, and Travelling Light Theatre Company. Corinne is also a writer who has written and performed in her own one-woman show at the Bristol Old Vic. She is currently writing and directing her first short film as part of the BBC New Creatives Scheme.  She is also currently the voice of ‘Miss Bunty’ in the Nickelodeon show ‘Max and Ruby’.

Illusions of Liberty will work with three charities in a joint fundraising venture with a percentage of the ticket sales divided between three charities whose members live with an invisible illness.  f

Illusions of Liberty will be live-streamed over three consecutive nights from February 15th,16th, and 17th 2021. You can book tickets via the Applecart Arts website. For further details visit illusionsofliberty.co.uk