The OffWestEnd Awards (Offies) have revealed their 2026 nominations, highlighting the best in independent theatre. The awards showcase a range of emerging and established talent in the Off-West End scene.
Keelan Kember writes a morally compromised microcosm where art is money, status, violence, and power. It’s a shame it doesn’t fulfil its potential. Instead, it’s tasteless, continually slipping into a vicious circle of stereotyping and triteness. Directed by Merle Wheldon, it doesn’t rise above commonplace comedy even when it’s at its best.
Poor Clare, written by Chiara Atik and directed by Blanche McIntyre, tells the story of how Clare (Arsema Thomas) is influenced by fellow Assisi resident Francis (Freddy Carter) to abandon her life of riches and become devoted to God, founding the Order of Poor Ladies as a discipline of the soon-to-be Saint Francis. The play opens with Clare getting her hair done in a complicated style by two of her servants, Peppa (Liz Kettle) and Alma (Jacoba Williams), discussing the concept of poverty and what can be done about it.
Recently, we had the chance to speak with Liz Kettle, who plays Peppa, one of Clare’s servants. We discussed how she went from Art History to Shakespeare, the importance of the messages in Poor Clare and even what she hopes audiences take away from the show.
Orange Tree Theatre has announced the full cast for Chiara Atik’s Poor Clare. Directed by Blanche McIntyre, Poor Clare opens at Orange Tree Theatre next month.
Orange Tree Theatre has announced that Arsema Thomas, who will make her stage debut, and Freddy Carter will star in Chiara Atik’s Poor Clare. Learn more here!
Check out a full list of what's opening Off-Broadway this fall! Productions will star big names including Neil Patrick Harris, Jane Krakowski, and many more! See what Off-Broadway has to offer and check out BroadwayWorld's complete list.
Lincoln Center Theater has revealed the cast for its upcoming production of THE BLOOD QUILT, by Katori Hall, directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz. See who is starring and learn more about the production.
Andscape has shared a new clip from the upcoming film She Taught Love, which stars Arsema Thomas and Darrell Britt-Gibson. The movie will premiere in select theaters and on Hulu September 27. Watch the clip now!
The NAACP Image Award Nominations have been announced, with The Color Purple leading with a total of 16 nominations, with nods for Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, and more. Check out the full list of nominations now!
National Theatre's The Ocean at the End of the Lane officially opened at the Noël Coward Theatre on October 11. Check out photos from the opening night curtain call and post-show party here!
Netflix has released a music video with rapper and “Queen of Bounce Music”, Big Freedia remixing Netflix's Strong Black Lead series 'Hey Queen' just in time for the release of Netflix and Shondaland’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. This video also serves as a nod to the significance of HBCU royal court culture.
Centered on Queen Charlotte's rise to prominence and power, this Bridgerton-verse prequel tells the story of how the young Queen's marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the Ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton. Watch the new video trailer now!
The series features Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), India Amarteifio (Young Queen Charlotte), Corey Mylchreest (Young King George), Arsema Thomas (Young Lady Danbury) as well as taped appearances with Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury) and Ruth Gemmell (Lady Violet Bridgerton). Watch the new video and check out the photos now!
Netflix and Shondaland today announced the cast of the limited series based on the origins of the historical figure Queen Charlotte. While the project is untitled, the series centers on the rise and love life of a young Queen Charlotte, it will also focus on Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury.
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