BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES Comes to the Grand Theatre

Following two sold out runs at The National Theatre, acclaimed performances at Leeds Playhouse, and a majorly successful tour of Australia and New Zealand, BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES makes its only Canadian stop on the North American tour at the Grand Theatre from November 15-24. The Title Sponsor for BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES is McCormick Canada.

Written by Nigerian-born, London-based (UK) poet and playwright Inua Ellams, BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES is a dynamic play that journeys from a barber shop in London, to Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos, and Accra. These are places where the banter can be barbed and the truth is always telling. Newsroom, political platform, local hot-spot, confession box, preacher-pulpit, and football stadium - for generations, African men have gathered in barber shops to discuss the world.

"Years ago I learnt of a charity that was trying to train barbers in the very basics of counselling, and I never realised how intimate the conversations could get between barbers and clients," said Ellams. "Initially I wanted to be voyeuristic and create poems. The ideas of poems turned to conversations, to scenes, to settings, to drama, to politics, to anthropology, to history, to the contemporary. I wanted to capture the fragility of black men in their own setting."

With an ensemble of 12, BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES is an intimate exploration of black masculinity set in six cities across two continents. Exhilarating, and joyous, this ringside view of conversations both personal and political bursts with song, wit, and soul searching.

A sold-out sensation in multiple London (UK) runs, the Grand Theatre's Artistic Director, Dennis Garnhum, was fortunate to see the show during a trip to London last December. After his trip, he knew instantly that this production was one he wanted on the Grand's stage.

"The moment I walked into the theatre to see BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES, my heart lifted and I burst into a big smile," said Garnhum. "It was clear that something special was unfolding and I was instantly swept up in the thrill of the event. When I returned to Canada I started making inquiries on how to get the show here, to our London."

The BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES company will be coming to the Grand in the middle of their tour, which launched in October in Arizona and has been touring the United States' West Coast. After their time here, the company will head directly to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

"Everyone at Fuel is thrilled about this tour. We are hugely proud of this joyous and soulful production of Inua's important and life-affirming play," said Kate McGrath, Director of Fuel. "We are particularly excited, given Fuel's deep and longstanding dedication to touring, to be working in partnership with a really strong range of venues and partners across North America."

BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES welcomes patrons to get up close and hang out with the cast with on stage seating. Patrons will have the ultimate experience of getting a glimpse into this unique, intimate community where African men gather to discuss the world and their lives. Join in on some pre-show dancing and perhaps a (simulated) style or trim! Tickets for on stage seating are $56 and are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.

The Grand Theatre gratefully acknowledges Season Sponsor BMO Financial Group. We would also like to acknowledge Downtown London and Marriott Residence Inn for their partnership during this production.

Tickets range from $29.95 to $86 and are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.

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