Jessica Cabassa News

Stratford East announced full casting for THE HARDER THEY COME, the reggae musical adapted by Suzan-Lori Parks, returning for a new run with Natey Jones reprising his role as Ivan.

Natey Jones and Madeline Charlemagne are set to reprise their roles in the reggae musical THE HARDER THEY COME, returning to Stratford East from 16 May to 4 July 2026, with Chanice Alexander-Burnett joining as Elsa from 8 June.

Lead casting has been announced for the return of THE HARDER THEY COME at Stratford East, running May 16 through July 4, 2026. Directed by Matthew Xia, the production features a stage adaptation by Suzan-Lori Parks, based on the 1970s Jamaican film produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone.

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has released production photos ahead of the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Check out the photos here!

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre have released rehearsal images ahead of the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding which runs at the venue from Wednesday 18 March – Saturday 25 April 2026. Check out the photos here!

THE HARDER THEY COME will return to Theatre Royal Stratford East in 2026 following its 2025 run. The reggae musical is adapted by Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Matthew Xia, with performances scheduled from May 16 through July 4.

​Stratford East will present the reggae musical The Harder They Come. The production is based on the cult Jamaican film produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written with Trevor Rhone.

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre had announced casting for the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning play Jaja's African Hair Braiding which runs at the venue from Wednesday 18 March – Saturday 25 April 2026.

The world premiere of Black Power Desk, a new Black British musical by critically acclaimed playwright Urielle Klein-Mekongo (Old Vic 12, Roundhouse, Bush Theatre), will take place at Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio from Wednesday, October 22 through Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Stratford East has announced an extension for the critically acclaimed new production of THE HARDER THEY COME, the newly adapted reggae musical based on the cult Jamaican film of the same name.

One minute you’re in an East London street, the next you are immediately transported to early-1970s Kingston: the style, the sounds, the rhythms, the smell of ambition and frustration. The Harder They Come at Stratford East is a vivid, energetic production that honours the cult classic film while breathing new life into it.

Stratford East has released first look rehearsal images for The Harder They Come, the newly adapted reggae musical based on the cult Jamaican film of the same name. Check out the photos here!

Check out brand-new photos from inside the rehearsal room for the world premiere of Black Power Desk, the largest production in Brixton House’s history. Written by critically acclaimed playwright Urielle Klein-Mekongo (Old Vic 12, Roundhouse, The Bush), the new musical will run as part of Brixton House’s Uprising Festival, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Brixton Uprising.

Stratford East has announced the full cast and creative team for the UK premiere of THE HARDER THEY COME, the newly adapted reggae musical based on the cult Jamaican film of the same name.

Brixton House and PlayWell Productions in association with Birmingham Hippodrome and Salford's Lowry have announced the nine-strong cast for the World Premiere of Black Power Desk.

Brixton House and Playwell Productions in association with Birmingham Hippodrome and Manchester’s Lowry present the World Premiere of Black Power Desk by critically-acclaimed playwright Urielle Klein-Mekongo.

Brixton House will mark its third anniversary with its biggest season to date. Seven shows form a season that celebrates originality, spirit and resilience from the 1970s to the present day. Learn more!

The Black British Theatre Awards have announced the winners of its 2024 awards. The BBTAs continue to honour the outstanding achievements and contributions of Black artists to the UK's vibrant theatre industry.

The winners of the Black British Theatre Awards 2022 have been announced. The awards' ceremony was held the National Theatre on October 16.