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Articles by Basil G. Lumsden
Access £17 tickets to see Intermission Youth’s Julius Caesar
Intermission Youth’s Julius Caesar What’s it about? From the writer behind the hit show Tartuffe (Remixed), starring Mark Rylance, comes Julius Caesar (Remixed), a bold adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tale of ambition, loyalty and betrayal. Darren Raymond, Artistic Director of Intermission Youth, the charity that transforms young people’s lives through theatre, whole-person support and Shakespeare, brings his sharp, rhythmic writing to this striking new production starring this year’s cohort.
See Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, a new play by Inua Ellams, at Brighton Dome for just £10
Antonia Layiwola and Adeola Yemitan in Once Upon a Time in Sokoto. Photo by Tristram Kenton The award-winning Once Upon a Time in Sokoto tells the epic story of a beautiful but unlikely friendship forged between an enslaved woman and her former master. Differences in faith, culture and heritage are overcome in the face of new enemies, in a gripping family drama set against the backdrop of events leading to the creation of Nigeria.
Gershwyn Eustache Jnr – interview
Gershwyn Eustache Jnr plays Ken. His theatre work includes Alterations, Small Island, Pinocchio, Home, Nut (National Theatre), Pass Over (Kiln Theatre), Anatomy of a Suicide, A Profoundly Affectionate Passionate Devotion to Someone (Royal Court Theatre), The Royale (Bush Theatre) and The Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare’s Globe).
The Windrush Prize is open for submissions
The Windrush Prize is open for submissions The first major prize of its kind in 30 years dedicated to British-Caribbean playwrights opens 2 October – 2 December 2026 One of the UK’s most significant Black British theatre initiatives will officially open for applications during Black History Month, as The Windrush Prize for British Caribbean Playwrights launches submissions from 2 October to 2 November 2026, accompanied by a special industry launch event in London.
Hang Time By Marikiscrycrycry
Hang Time by Malik-Nashad Sharpe – Photo credit: Ralf Hersborg Moving between soca and bouyon, séance, ritual and social gathering, choreographer Malik Nashad Sharpe – working under the alias Marikiscrycrycry – creates a charged world where dance, music and haunting collide. Hang Time is a choreographic meditation on hanging out and hanging on. Hanging in the air. Hanging in there. Hanging by a thread. Braids hanging from the nape of the neck. Bodies suspended in time. Lives hanging from one another.
Celebrate Black History Month with Jamaica Love – Save £5 on seats!
Celebrate Black History Month with Jamaica Love – Save £5 on seats! We are delighted to offer £5 off tickets to see Jamaica Love at Fairfield Halls, Croydon Use promo code: JAMLOVE26 to access £5 off tickets* Offer valid until 23:56 on 31 October 2026 *T&Cs apply Nominated for Best Musical Production at the Black British Theatre Awards, Jamaica Love returns to Fairfield Halls, Croydon for its final performance of 2026.
LOVER GIRL Black Out Nights | 25% off tickets
LOVER GIRL Black Out Nights Soho Theatre From award-winning writer and performer Temi Wilkey comes LOVER GIRL, the highly anticipated sequel to her cult hit Main Character Energy. It’s a sexy, tender, and utterly hilarious one-woman show charting love, loss, and the romantic misadventures of a modern, sexually liberated Black woman.
Awaken the senses with Dickson Mbi’s TELLUS – exclusive £10 ticket offer
Awaken the senses with Dickson Mbi’s TELLUS – exclusive £10 ticket offer DICKSON MBI COMPANY TELLUS SADLER’S WELLS EAST 21 – 24 Oct 2026 We are delighted to offer £10 tickets to see Dickson Mbi’s TELLUS at Sadler’s Wells East: Use promo code: AFRIDIZIAK26 to access £10 tickets Max 2 tickets per transaction. Offer valid for the following performances only | Thu 22- Sat 24 Oct Not available in retrospect or conjunction with any other offer or discount.
Jamaica Love 7 Nov 2026
Jamaica Love, Fairfield Halls Croydon Nominated for Best Musical Production at the Black British Theatre Awards, Jamaica Love comes to Fairfield Halls for its final London performance of the 2026 season. Celebrate the enduring legacy of Windrush through powerful storytelling, humour and the unforgettable music of Jamaica. Featuring legendary vocalist John McLean, Celia Wickham-Anderson (Black Voices) and a sensational live band performing ska, rocksteady and reggae.
£10 tickets to see Alleyne Dance – Far From Home
Alleyne Dance Far From Home – Photo Camilla Greenwell Multi-award-winning Alleyne Dance is a unique and powerful company that blends caribbean, hip hop and kathak, within a contemporary dance context. In 2025, Sadler’s Wells appointed founding sisters Kristina and Sadé Alleyne as Guest Artistic Directors for National Youth Dance Company 2025/2026 season. We are delighted to offer £10 tickets to see Alleyn Dance at Sadler’s Wells East: Use promo code: AFRIDIZIAK10 Max 2 tickets per transaction.
Josette Bushell-Mingo appointed Chair of British Youth Music Theatre
Josette Bushell-Mingo Speaking at BYMT & ACE’s Represent Event January 2026 – Photo by Jay Stewart Award-winning actor and director, Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE has been appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees for British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT). Formally taking up the role with immediate effect, Josette succeeds Simon Millson OBE, who steps down from his role as Chair following seven years of service.
Access £15 tickets to see Theresa Ikoko’s GIRLS at the Young Vic
Access £15 tickets to see Theresa Ikoko’s GIRLS at the Young Vic GIRLS by Theresa Ikoko Young Vic 22 Oct – 21 Nov 2026 “They leave a trail of fire and flesh. If they followed it – if somebody followed the stench – they would find us” Nigeria, 2014. Teenagers Tisana, Haleema, and Ruhab are best friends, busy swapping notes on celebrities, sex positions, and dodging carbs. But when they’re kidnapped by militant insurgents and forced towards an uncertain future, they have only each other to turn to.
The Cocoa Butter Club
Cocoa Butter Club at the Yard Theatre The Cocoa Butter Club turn The Yard into a film set and Black cinema comes alive in the flesh: in fire, burlesque, drag, dance and music. The sauciest scandals, the shadiest schemes, the sexiest scenes and the scariest screams, played out live. Dress accordingly.
Kristina and Sadé Alleyne – interview
https://youtu.be/_WYY0cAE1WQ The multi-award-winning company presents Far From Home at Sadler’s Wells East on Thursday 15 – Saturday 17 October, a narrative dance production that explores immigration and the consequences that the search for “a better life” can have – featuring an intergenerational community cast. Kristina and Sadé Alleyne said, “Far From Home is the work we always needed to see growing up.
Access £10 ticket offer to see Baby in previews at Brixton House
Perle Noire Meditations for Joséphine © Ruth Walz A provocative play about one woman’s desire to survive even though she hasn’t got a chance in hell. Find out more. DISCOUNTED TICKET OFFER We are delighted to offer you an exclusive £10 ticket offer to see Baby in previews at Brixton House: Use promo code: AFRIDIZIAK10 Offer valid for Thu 8 Oct, Fri 9 Oct, Mon 12 Oct and Tue 13 Oct
Access 20 per cent off tickets to see Perle Noire at the Barbican
Perle Noire Meditations for Joséphine © Ruth Walz Step into the dazzling, defiant world of the iconic Joséphine Baker, as soprano Julia Bullock brings her voice, spirit and story vividly to life in this powerful, genre-crossing performance. Find out more. We are delighted to offer you an exclusive 20 per cent off tickets to see Perle Noire at the Barbican this October: Use promo code: JOSEPHINE20 Subject to availability Offer valid for 20 October Max 4 Tickets per person
Honouring Desmond’s: Fund a Blue Plaque at Bellenden Road
Honouring Desmond’s: Fund a Blue Plaque at Bellenden Road On behalf of Aron Shabir… My name is Aron, and I’m raising funds to help install a blue plaque on Bellenden Road in London to commemorate the iconic British sitcom Desmond’s. We’re working with the Nubian Jak Community Trust to permanently recognise the programme and its importance to Black British television and culture.
The London premiere, direct from a sell-out Northern tour – THE MOTH
Micky Cochrane & Faz Singhateh in The Moth by Victoria Wai Following an award-winning Northern tour, Paul Herzberg’s acclaimed new play, The Moth, receives its London premiere at the multi-award-winning Finborough Theatre for a strictly limited four-week season, playing 27 October to 21 November 2026.
How To Keep Warm In Winter
How To Keep Warm In Winter A Caribbean love story set against the adversity of 1970s London. Following Jamaican newlyweds navigating racism and economic hardship, exploring themes of migration, race, economic crisis and family. Kaleb’s writing debut receives its first-ever staging after being long-listed for the prestigious Alfred Fagon Award.
£20 TICKETS TO SEE BALLET BLACK AT 25 DOUBLE BILL
Ballet Black at 25 Celebrate 25 years of bold choreography, unforgettable stories and impactful change. For 25 years, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black has brought bold new ballet to stages across the UK, creating and sharing original stories with dancers from around the world. This anniversary season celebrates a quarter of a century of innovation, mentoring and collaboration, while looking ahead to the future.
Cinderella 14 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027
Alexandra Burke as Chaka Khan & cast in I’M EVERY WOMAN, credit Danny Kaan Cinderella’s down on her luck. But can a chance encounter, a little fairy magic and some incredibly chic glass slippers help her save the kingdom and find her true love before the clock strikes midnight?
Alicia Graf Mack – interview
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack with two programmes showcasing the best of the pioneering company’s repertory. A star performer on the Ailey stage between 2005 and 2014, Alicia Graf Mack was brought into the company and mentored by Judith Jamison.
WORLD PREMIERE THE ‘CROWN PRINCE OF REGGAE’ MUSICAL FEB/MAR 2027
Dennis Brown – The Crown Prince of Reggae Musical – Image © Brian Jahn Bagga John (BJ) Production and special arrangement with the Dennis Brown Estate proudly presents the WORLD PREMIERE THE ‘CROWN PRINCE OF REGGAE’ MUSICAL FEB/MAR 2027 In a tribute to reggae legend Mr Dennis Emanuel Brown CD, Bagga John and the Dennis Brown Family and Estate present the world premiere of The ‘Crown Prince of Reggae’ Musical. Written and directed by Anton Phillips, the production tours this coming February 2027.
Carolyn ML Forsyth – interview
Carolyn – Gifty Dzenyo Photography Carolyn ML Forsyth’s 20-year track record demonstrates her dynamism and expertise as a detail-focused producer and arts manager, developed through senior roles across theatre, work with young people, outdoor site-specific productions, international touring, and festivals.
Brixton House New Season Announcement
Brixton House New Season Announcement Brixton House, fresh from its win at the Stage Awards 2026 for ‘Campaign of the Year’ in recognition for placing people and cultural value at the heart of its audiences and celebrating bold artistry and deep community connection, kicks off its new season with an exciting programme that delivers on these same principles.
TOSH WANOGHO-MAUD TO ALTERNATE THE ROLE OF LOLA WITH JOHANNES RADEBE IN KINKY BOOTS AT THE LONDON COLISEUM
Tosh Wanogho-Maud TOSH WANOGHO-MAUD TO ALTERNATE THE ROLE OF LOLA WITH JOHANNES RADEBE IN KINKY BOOTS AT THE LONDON COLISEUM Producers ROYO, Runaway Entertainment and Curve are delighted to announce that multi-platinum-selling recording artist and award-winning West End actor Matt Cardle will play Charlie Price alongside Johannes Radebe as Lola, in the brand-new production of the Olivier, Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning KINKY BOOTS The Musical.
In My Head by Intrusive Theatre 22-24 Jan 2026
In My Head by Intrustive Theatre The play IN MY HEAD was written and directed by new emerging artist Kyra April (an applied theatre graduate). The timeless and emotion-filled play follows seven young adults growing up in Tottenham and their encounters with mental health, sexual assault and rape, addiction, identity, gang culture and other social issues young people in Tottenham face. Their stories intertwine and illustrate just how powerful our minds truly are.
Stalls to Stage Awards 2026 20 April 2026
Stalls to Stage Awards 2026 Stalls to Stage are thrilled to announce details for the 2026 ceremony, confirming the Lyric Theatre as the venue for the second annual event. For the first time, the awards will be open to a paying audience. The Stalls to Stage Awards 2026 will take place on Monday 20th April 2026 at the Lyric Theatre in London’s West End, celebrating excellence, community and connection across theatre.
Marie and Rosetta transfers to @sohoplace Feb 2026
(l-r) Beverley Knight and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu in the original production of Marie and Rosetta (c) Marc Brenner Jonathan Church Theatre Productions and Chichester Festival Theatre in association with Nica Burns announce the West End premiere of the Rose Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and ETT critically acclaimed production of Marie and Rosetta, written by George Brant, and directed by Monique Touko.
WEST END AND BROADWAY STAR MARISHA WALLACE JOINS THE CAST OF ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
WEST END AND BROADWAY STAR MARISHA WALLACE JOINS THE CAST OF ONCE ON THIS ISLAND ONCE ON THIS ISLAND RETURNS TO LONDON IN SPECIAL CONCERT STAGING AT THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE ON SUN 8 FEB 2026 OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATED MARISHA WALLACE JOINS THE CAST SHE IS JOINED BY TONY AWARD WINNER & 2018 ONCE ON THIS ISLAND BROADWAY LEAD, ALEX NEWELL, WHO WILL REPRISE THE ROLE OF ASAKA FOR THE LONDON STAGE FURTHER CAST INCLUDES WEST END STARS DUJONNA GIFT, MELANIE LA BARRIE & CEDRIC NEAL MCG Productions have...
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCES FULL CAST FOR ALL IS BUT FANTASY
All Is But Fantasy – cast portrait photoshoot – 2025 by Nicola Young Whitney White makes her creative and stage debut at the RSC with All Is But Fantasy Cast includes Juliette Crosbie, Daniel Krikler, Renée Lamb, Georgina Onuorah, Timmika Ramsay and Whitney White Dame Harriet Walter joins Whitney White for Reframing Women in Shakespeare, a special in-conversation event on 7 February Blurring boundaries between Shakespearean myth, contemporary storytelling, and live music, All Is But Fantasy...
£10 tickets | The RSC’s All Is But Fantasy by Whitney White
All Is But Fantasy – Written and composed by Whitney White Shakespeare’s most iconic characters take the mic and centre stage, like never before. Lady Macbeth, Juliet, Emilia, and Richard III step into the spotlight, challenging the stories that shaped them, in this high-voltage fusion of rock, pop, soul, and gospel, created by award-winning artist, writer, and composer Whitney White. With a live band and a stellar ensemble, this is Shakespeare turned all the way up.
KEALA SETTLE AND HAL FOWLER STAR IN A NEW RE-IMAGINING OF MRS. PRESIDENT
Mrs President Rehearsals 2026 Pamela Raith Photography (L-R Keala Settle, Hal Fowler and director Bronagh Lagan) Mrs President Rehearsals 2026 Pamela Raith Photography (Keala Settle) Mrs President Rehearsals 2026 Pamela Raith Photography (Hal Fowler) Mrs President Rehearsals 2026 Pamela Raith Photography (Keala Settle) Mrs President Rehearsals 2026 Pamela Raith Photography.
Once on this Island in Concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane - meet the cast:
Once On This Island, Theatre Royal Drury Lane Once on this Island in Concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane – meet the cast: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND RETURNS TO LONDON IN SPECIAL CONCERT STAGING AT THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE ON SUN 8 FEB 2026 TONY AWARD WINNER & 2018 ONCE ON THIS ISLAND BROADWAY LEAD, ALEX NEWELL TO REPRISE THE ROLE OF ASAKA FOR THE LONDON STAGE CAST INCLUDES WEST END STARS DUJONNA GIFT, MELANIE LA BARRIE & CEDRIC NEAL MCG Productions have today announced that Tony Award winner Alex...
Cast announced for Deep Azure at Shakespeare's Globe • Afridiziak Theatre News
Deep Azure by Chadwick Boseman, Shakespeare’s Globe Shakespeare’s Globe is delighted to announce the full cast and creative team of Deep Azure in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, running from 7 February – 11 April 2026.
Why Didn't I Get Married? By Alan Charles
Why Didnt I Get Married by Alan Charles London Play Alan Charles is back, and this time he’s not pulling any punches with his latest and most explosive show yet, Why Didn’t I Get Married. In this raw and revealing courtroom-style drama, Charles rips the bandage off a long-simmering wound in the Black Christian community: the crisis of singlehood among Black women in the church.
Hadestown by Anaïs Mitchell Booking until 27 Sept 2026
Hadestown by Anaïs Mitchell, Lyric Theatre Blending American songwriting traditions, from indie folk, to pop, blues, and New Orleans-inspired jazz, Hadestownhas music, lyrics, and book by acclaimed Tony® and Grammy®-winning singer-songwriter and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winner Anaïs Mitchell whooriginated Hadestownas anindie theatre project and acclaimed album, before transforming the show into a genre-defying new musical alongside artistic collaborator and Tony® Award-winning director Rachel...
Alice in Wonderland adapted by Geoff Aymer - review
Alice in Wonderland, Theatre Peckham (c) Ahmed Kamara Originally penned by Lewis Caroll in 1865, the children’s classic Alice in Wonderlandis Geoff Aymer’s fifth Christmas show adaptation for Theatre Peckham. Previous productions have all been brilliantly written so we knew that an entertaining few hours lay ahead. It’s Christmas Eve and Alice is out shopping with her older brother. In a generation obsessed with ‘likes’ and ‘subscribes’ social media is under scrutiny.
Ballet Black’s Shadows – review • Afridiziak Theatre News
Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black presents Shadows with choreography and direction by Chanel DaSilva. Everything about this first piece in the first half ignited emotions and recognition of inner struggle. The lighting of the single figure in simple white as she stepped towards us at her highest tips and then steps wide and pulses low was a gasping opening. She carries a box … what does her box represent?
Intermission Theatre's Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare 26 Nov
Intermission Youth Theatre are back with another remixed Shakespeare, and for the first time, this year’s reimagined classic will be directed by one of their own graduates, Stephanie Badaru. Comedy of Errors Remixed tackles themes of identity, immigration and displacement, using the characters to explore and address a topic currently dominating headlines and social media.
Limp Wrist & The Iron Fist by Emmanuel Akwafo – review • Afridiziak Theatre News
Four friends, played by Noah Thomas, Prince Kundai, Romeo Mika and Tyler Orphé-Bakerat are at a bus stop in anticipation of a night out. It’s cold, and the young men are idling away the time with one another in pre night out banter – chicken wings, jokes and jostling. This is the perfect setting for Emmanuel Akwafo’s play Limp Wrist & The Iron Fist, a play about love, sexuality, faith which returns to Brixton House after debuting at the Housemates Festival in 2024.
Access £9 tickets to see TOUSSAINT TO MOVE
A joyful, immersive dance show celebrating reggae and its radical history Free embarks on a quest to challenge the confines of borders, flags and occupied lands, to discover joy in the darkest hour. Akeim Toussaint Buck combines the worlds of reggae dub culture and contemporary dance in a high-energy immersive performance. The dancers move to the drumming heartbeat of Nyabinghi rhythms, vibrating their bodies.
Chewing Gum Dreams at Theatre503 By Michaela Cole 10 Sept- 3 Oct 2026
Directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike A Theatre503 Production ‘I looked into his face so close I found his dreams and wanted dem. And I – I had them – I had some – mines you know?’ Tracey Gordon is growing up fast, and you’ll want to come along for the ride. Chewing Gum Dreams is Michaela Coel’s unforgettable debut. A fierce, funny, and big-hearted journey through first love, last days of school, and the moments that shape who we become.
I’M EVERY WOMAN THE CHAKA KHAN MUSICAL World Premiere 5 – 28 March 2026 • Afridiziak Theatre News
I’m Every Woman: The Chaka Khan Musical. Get ready to witness the incredible untold life story and music of multi-platinum selling, 10-time GRAMMY® winner and global icon, Chaka Khan! With 22 albums, 25 chart-topping hits, 70 million records sold and a career spanning five decades, Chaka Khan has shaped the sound of generations.
The Line of Beauty adapted by Jack Holden – review • Afridiziak Theatre News
Adapting is never an easy job. You get the hardcore fans who will ask for every single detail to be included, but your ultimate responsibility is to translate a neat, clean, new work of art. And that’s Jack Holden‘s adaptation of The Line of Beauty, a neat work of art. Jack,known for Cruise and KENREX, has adapted the Booker prize winning novel of same name by Alan Hollinghurst.
The 2025 Black British Theatre Awards Illuminate the West End as Winners Announced
The Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) lit up London’s Piccadilly Theatre last night in a dazzling celebration of Black excellence, artistry, and legacy. The UK’s biggest night in Black theatre returned with standing ovations, emotional speeches, and unforgettable performances, marking the seventh annual ceremony in spectacular fashion.
Apples and Snakes The Podcast
A brand new season of 10 Black British performance poets digging deep into their craft, reflecting on identity and legacy, hosted by Yomi Ṣode. Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is a series of unfiltered conversations digging deep into all things performance poetry and what it means to feel, connect, and speak truth to power. For the first time, Season 4 will be streamed on YouTube alongside its audio release.
DISCOUNTED TICKETS TO SEE ANANSI THE SPIDER AT UNICORN THEATRE BY JUSTIN AUDIBERT
Following a sold-out run in 2023, these classic West African and Caribbean folk tales about the mischievous spider who triumphs over larger foes returns! People say that in a time long, long ago, animals walked on two feet and spoke with words, like we do. And back then, everyone knew that the cleverest of all the animals in the kingdom was a spider – the infamous Anansi – the original trickster and the master spinner of yarns.
Powerful new co-production of Small Island announced for spring 2026
Olivier Award-winning director Matthew Xia ‘speaks directly to audiences today’ with his deeply personal and richly evocative take on Andrea Levy’s award-winning story. Journey from the sun-drenched shores of Jamaica to the cold, grey streets of 1940s London in Small Island, a powerful and intimate new portrayal of Andrea Levy’s multi award-winning novel, adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson.
Angeline Morrison – interview • Afridiziak Theatre News
Recently hailed as one of MOJO’s ‘voices taking folk into the future’, Angeline Morrison is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose work combines a deep love of traditional song, a deep respect for the hidden ancestral voices of Old Albion, explorations and reimaginings of diaspora, nation and history, and a strong belief in magic and enchantment as powerful charms for decoloniality.
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