Talawa News

ETT (English Touring Theatre) has announced their new production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and further programming for 2023.

Sleepova, an ode to black women and their boundless spirits and wild dreams is a new Bush commission from Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini (Little Miss Burden) opening on 24 February (press night 1 March).  Sleepova marks the stage debut of three actresses including Bukky Bakray (Rocks), who at 19, became the youngest BAFTA Rising Star Award recipient as well as one of the youngest 'Best Actress in a Leading Role' nominees.

With the highly anticipated VAULT Festival kicking off 2023 it has been announced that James Barnes will return with The Ballerina after its cancellation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. From leading theatre company Khaos and based on a true story, this ground-breaking production explores a refreshing take on what contemporary western audiences perceive as the African diplomatic class.

Artistic Director Michael Longhurst and Executive Director Henny Finch have announced the casting for Diana Nneka Atuona's Trouble in Butetown. Tinuke Craig directs Samuel Adewunmi, Rita Bernard-Shaw, Ifan Huw Dafydd, Zaqi Ismail, Gareth Kennerley, Bethan Mary-James, Sarah Parish and Zephryn Taitte.

Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse has announced a 2023 season that boasts four re-imagined classics on stage and the introduction of six new Associate Companies.

Kiln Theatre has announced Jessica Mensah as their new Kiln-Mackintosh Resident Assistant Director. This new role will see Mensah joining the Artistic Team, working as Assistant Director across productions and supporting the Creative Engagement programme.

​​​​​​​Talawa, the UK's leading Black theatre company, is remaining a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO).  Announced on 4th November 2022, Talawa acknowledges this important funding that allows them to continue and expand their vital work championing Black excellence in UK theatre and beyond.  

The full company has been announced for Orlando – joining Emma Corrin, in the title role, are Deborah Findlay (Mrs Grimsditch), Jessica Alade (Virginia, Drunken Tory), Debra Baker (Virginia, Favilla, The Captain), Akuc Bol (Virginia, Euphrosyne, Prue), Lucy Briers (Virginia, Queen Elizabeth, Officer), Richard Cant (Virginia, Harriet, Kitty), Melissa Lowe (Virginia, Drunken Tory), Jodie McNee (Virginia, Marmaduke), Oliver Wickham (Virginia, Clorinda), and Millicent Wong (Virginia, Sasha, Nell).

A new, original musical based on an amazing, true story from the Second World War, Glory Ride, will have its world premiere in the main theatre at The Other Palace as a staged concert from 14 - 16 November 2022.

Talawa Theatre Company and Park Theatre’s Olivier Award-nominated A Place for We is being made available on Digital Theatre for five years in the UK.  This acclaimed production explores London’s communities over three very different generations.  Following its successful, limited-run premiere on Windrush Day, will be available for more audiences across the country than ever before. 

Talawa, the UK’s outstanding Black theatre company, is holding an evening of celebration in honour of its late co-founder Mona Hammond OBE (1931–2022).  As one of the founders of Talawa Theatre Company in 1986, Hammond was instrumental in championing Black British theatre and her passion and vision was fundamental to the company’s work.

Best of Enemies will begin previews at the Noël Coward Theatre on 14 November with an opening night on 28 November. Find out how to get tickets to Zachary Quito's West End Debut

A fiercely honest play about racial identity by breakthrough Ghanaian-English writer Nana-Kofi Kufuor comes to Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre next month after a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival.

Talawa Theatre Company’s hit theatre production Run It Back will have its UK-wide digital premiere this September on Vimeo. The production, revived to critical acclaim in September 2021, combines rave and theatre in an exciting exploration of Black British music culture.

Talawa, the UK’s outstanding Black theatre company, is heading on tour with their outdoor production The Tide. Check out photos here!

A heart-warming story of acceptance, Clutch, a new Bush Theatre commission, opens on 19 September (press night 21 September) at Bush Theatre. The cast is announced as Geoffrey Aymer and newcomer Charlie Kafflyn, who makes his professional debut. 

Talawa, the UK’s outstanding Black theatre company, is heading on tour with their outdoor production The Tide. Check out production photos here!

This year’s Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF) opens with the spectacular UK premiere of SPARK, the creation of Dutch artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde.

Original Theatre Company today announces the all-star cast for the script-in-hand performances from the three shortlisted plays for the Originals Playwriting Award.

Production images have been released for the world premiere of The Fellowship, an electrifying, hilarious and gripping new play by Roy Williams.  Directed by Paulette Randall, The Fellowship will run until 23 July 2022.