Theatre Peckham Celebrates Black British Brilliance with Young, Gifted & Black

For immediate release 

Theatre Peckham proudly announces the highly anticipated return of their Young, Gifted & Black season, running from 6th October to 2nd November. Now in its sixth year, this season celebrates Young Black British Brilliance on stage at Theatre Peckham.  

In alignment with UK Black History Month 2024’s theme, “Reclaiming Narratives”, Theatre Peckham is dedicated to unveiling untold stories, honouring unsung heroes and highlighting the everyday individuals who have made an indelible impact on our communities. 

This year's season is enriched by the collaboration of co-producers Lara Grace Ilori and Joshua Aketse-Entsie. Lara is a South London actor and writer of Nigerian heritage, whose passion lies in powerful narratives that reflect African diaspora experiences. Joshua, with his Ghanaian roots, brings a fresh, dynamic energy, pushing theatrical boundaries and championing community engagement. Their partnership as young Black producers serves as an inspiring model for other artists. Together they are set to create a season that resonates deeply with Theatre Peckham’s community.

CEO/Artistic Director Suzann McLean MBE stated, "This season is a celebration of the creators and performers who are amplifying the stories of our community. Their voices are essential, and we are committed to providing a platform for their brilliance."

Young, Gifted & Black opens on Sunday 6th October, with a vibrant celebration of Black culture, reflecting on 'Hard to Let', a legacy film produced by Theatre Peckham in the early '90s. The season will continue to feature five powerful plays, a spoken word event, a scratch night showcasing new Black writers, and community conversations centred around the Young Black British experience.

Producer Lara comments “As people of African and Caribbean descent our experiences are far from monolithic. A season like this guides diasporic theatre makers to understand where their voices live inside the belly of creating art.” Joshua added, "Theatre Peckham creates a space for everyone to learn and grow, building a sustainable foundation where young voices can thrive and succeed in an industry that needs their perspectives”. As alumni of the Poetic Relief Cultural Leaders Project - a partnership between Poetic Unity, Black Cultural Archives, and Theatre Peckham - both Lara and Joshua are poised to lead this season with passion and purpose.

Up first for plays is South Londoner, Corey Bovell’s 32 Peak Street. This fast-paced, witty comedy follows a millennial couple as they navigate the chaos of becoming homeowners. Balancing a crumbling business, a cramped flat, and the impending responsibilities of parenthood, they face the challenge of letting go of the past to build a brighter future for their family.

The next play is The Immortal Henrietta Lacks commissioned by Gyenyame for Performing Arts. This powerful play is a tribute to the young African-American woman who was the person behind the famous HeLa cell line, which played a pivotal role in curing polio and advancing research for leukaemia, AIDS, and COVID-19. Director Larry Coke brings this story to life through the rich traditions of African storytelling, incorporating Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Soul, inviting audiences to connect with the vibrant life of a woman whose unprecedented contribution to science came at the cost of her life.

Southwark’s Bridge the Gap Studios returns with None of The Clocks Work, a production that emphasises collective responsibility for healing. This educational play addresses the impact of societal systems on families and communities, urging the younger generation to engage with and reform the structures surrounding social care, criminal justice, and education.

Pushing the boundaries of form, Alison Ray's Unknown Soldier is the fourth theatre piece and merges Dance, Music, Text, and Visuals to reveal the untold stories of the young Black women who contributed to the war efforts during World War I and II. This innovative piece captivates and engages audiences, encouraging them to reflect on these significant, yet overlooked, parts of history.

Cleopatra’s Antony is the breathtaking finale of the Young, Gifted & Black season. Director Mo Korede leads an alumni of young actors and creatives from Theatre Peckham’s Young Peckham training programmes. This dynamic retelling of Cleopatra’s story challenges traditional narratives, focusing on the decolonisation of her lover's heart and mind through the lens of youthful ambition and empowerment.

Theatre Peckham’s Young, Gifted & Black season stands as a powerful testament to the voices of young Black creatives and their determination to make a lasting impact on London's arts scene. It exemplifies how to effect meaningful change in the creative industries.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative experience. 

For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.theatrepeckham.co.uk or contact boxoffice@theatrepeckham.co.uk

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FULL PROGRAMME LISTINGS  

Roots & Riddim

6th October  ⼁ 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Theatre Peckham’s Young Producers present a vibrant celebration of Black culture and community reflecting on the legacy of Theatre Peckham. Led by Adrian Gardner and Jordi M. Carter. Alongside a heritage exhibition by Tara Fateshi.

32 Peak Street  

9th October - 11th October  ⼁ 7:30pm

In the heart of Lewisham, Jesse and Crissy are determined to break free from their cramped living conditions and achieve their dream of homeownership.

Sharing their space with Jesse’s grieving father, Karl, who drowns his sorrow in alcohol, the couple have their sights on 32 Peak Street – a new beginning for a young couple with plans to start a family. But Jesse’s business is struggling to survive against the tide of gentrification, and the community he once knew is disappearing before his eyes. As Crissy’s anxiety about raising a child in the current environment grows, Jesse turns to his best friend, Kieran, for support. With financial pressure mounting and Karl’s destructive behaviour escalating, Jesse is faced with an impossible choice: how does he hold on to his and Crissy’s dream?

Directed by Gbolahan Obisesan

The Immortal Henrietta Lacks  

15th October - 18th October  ⼁ 7:30pm
16th October ⼁  7:30pm (Press)   

19th October ⼁ 3pm & 7:30pm   

Gyenyame for Performing Arts presents The Immortal Henrietta Lacks, a musical reimagining that explores the life of Henrietta Lacks in the days leading up to her terminal diagnosis.

Directed by Larry Coke and commissioned by Gyenyame, this production humanizes the woman behind the revolutionary HeLa cells, which have been instrumental in advancing medical research for diseases like polio, leukemia, AIDS, and COVID-19.

Blending traditional Black storytelling forms-including Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and Soul-the play celebrates Henrietta's profound yet often untold contribution to science and continues Gyenyame's commitment to highlighting significant narratives from Black history.

Larry Coke, Artistic Director

Gyenyame for Performing Arts - www.gyenyame.org.uk

Scratch Night 

18th October ⼁ 8pm

An evening of brand-new work by some of the most exciting up-and-coming Black artists around. Innovation, experimentation and playfulness will be at the forefront of this fun-filled evening. Our scratch night will be made up of short pieces at the very start of their development, giving audiences the chance to be a part of the future shaping of each piece.

None of The Clocks Work 

22nd October & 24th October ⼁ 7:30pm 

"What are you saying - that this is our fault? You're saying we're bad parents?"

Following one family through three generations (70's, 90's and present day), a traumatic event has rippled across time - forcing Mothers, Fathers and Sons either to make decisions that will either bring them peace or destroy them forever. A heartfelt and poignant story of loss, healing and what happens when unchecked generational patterns spill into the streets.

This powerful drama is created by the youth collective at Bridge the Gap Studios, and is directed by Judah Meade.

Poetry Foyer: Black Panthers 

24th October ⼁ 7pm

Spoken Word, Poetry Foyer, Black Panthers Edition.

Spoken word night, Poetry Foyer, Black Panthers Edition, celebrates the legacy of the Black Panther Party. Expect powerful performances from talented poets who will share their work reflecting on the Black Panther Party and its impact on social justice and community empowerment. The evening will feature an exciting competition where the best poet will earn a paid slot at our next Poetry Foyer event. This is an opportunity to engage with history, be part of a meaningful dialogue through the art of poetry, and amplify voices dedicated to change.

Unknown Soldier  

26th October ⼁ 3pm & 7:30pm  

Unknown Soldier, created by Alison Ray MA, Artistic Director of Alison Ray Dance Company, was performed earlier this year at Tacchi Morris Arts and the Bernie Grant Centre. The piece captivated audiences with powerful stories of servicemen and women from the UK, Caribbean, and Africa.

Unknown Soldier is a powerful tribute to Black British war veterans, telling the untold stories of men and women of Black British heritage who served in WWI and WWII. This interdisciplinary performance weaves together dance, text, live music, and visuals to honour their contributions, often overlooked in the British war effort. The choreography blends African, Caribbean, contemporary dance, and the Lindy Hop to bring these narratives to life, while the live music creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and the unknown as these soldiers embark on their journey.

Cleopatra’s Antony  

31st October & 2nd November ⼁ 7:30pm
1st November  ⼁ 2:30pm & 7:30pm 

"I am conqueror of myself. Thou art sworn, I will catch up with you, Egypt."

Cleopatra's lover Antony has been in Egypt for years now. He's forgotten the life he once had in Rome and swapped war and politics for love and whine.

He is in love with Cleopatra. In love with Egypt; her warmth, her sweet smell and her joy! She is Egypt and Egypt is her. In this retelling, we focus on the many faces of Egypt/Cleopatra and her decolonizing of her lover's heart and mind as he is split between duty, war and where his loyalties lie.

Directed by Mo Korede

Listings information: 

Young, Gifted & Black season runs from 6 October to 2 November 

Venue: Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil Street, London, SE5 7SB. 

Box Office: Tel:   020 7708 5401

For details of the full programme, please visit: What’s On - Shows and Events - Theatre Peckham 

–ENDS – 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

About Theatre Peckham  

Theatre Peckham is an award-winning cultural venue for artistic excellence and social change, founded in 1986. From its South London home, it commits to producing new writing and performance focusing on community engagement, learning and growth. Theatre Peckham is a two-time OFFIE Award Winning Theatre, including Special Recognition Award for exceptional work; platforming cutting edge productions that push the boundaries of form, use exciting ways to retell existing or imagine new stories, and engaging hyper-local audiences.

About Young, Gifted & Black season

Young, Gifted & Black is a multi-disciplinary season that celebrates the stories and experiences of London’s young Black British community. This season is a platform for cultural insight and an opportunity for learning and growth highlighting the reach and legacy of the African diaspora. 

About the Young, Gifted and Black Co-Producers

Lara Grace Ilori

Lara Grace Ilori is an actor and writer from South London with Nigerian (Yoruba) heritage. Previous acting credits include Channel 4's BIG MOOD, and Typical Girls (Crucible Theatre) by Olivier award winning writer Morgan Lloyd Malcolm. She is also a trustee of London Bubble Theatre Company, Clean Break Theatre Company and a part of the Poetic Unity community having worked as a Cultural Leader based at Black Cultural Archives. Currently, she fuses her work as an actor and anthropologist to perform and write texts on African diaspora experiences, holding a mirror to her own experiences and that of her surrounding communities. Lara is also co-founder of creative laboratory ILXIAH - home to live performance events and private creative forums. All in all, Lara is a storyteller that strives to lead with empathy, truth and enjoyment in all aspects of her work. Training: BA Acting - Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA 2020), MSc Social and Cultural Anthropology - University College London (UCL 2023), Soho Theatre Writers Lab (2023), London Performance Studios Seeding Space Residency (2024).

Joshua Aketse-Entsie

Joshua Aketse-Entsie is a talented theatre producer of Ghanaian and Swedish heritage, known for his innovative storytelling and commitment to pushing boundaries in the performing arts. In 2024, he produced the sold-out play Brother’s Keeper at Theatre Peckham and worked as Outreach Coordinator for the National Theatre’s production of Hot Wing King. A core member of Trybe House and collaborator with Frantic Assembly, Joshua is passionate about championing diverse voices and creating opportunities for emerging talent. He is also deeply engaged in community work with Poetic Unity in Brixton, mentoring and inspiring young black creatives. 

About Suzann McLean, MBE (CEO/Artistic Director) 

Suzann is an award-winning actress and director, winner of the Black British Business Award Arts and Media Senior Leader Award and Winner of British Arrows Gold Award. Directing credits include Unseen Unheard: The untold breast cancer stories of Black Women in the UK, Sunny Side Up (OFFIE Nominated Best Director), Scroogelicious, MEN-TALL, The Wonderful, Extremism, South Crong, Jack and the Beanstalk, Soul Lyrical, Robin Hood (Theatre Peckham), Driving Miss Daisy (York Theatre Royal), Catcher, This Child (Pilot Theatre), Rebellion (Hackney Empire). Acting Credits Include Good Omens, The Honourable Woman, Dr. Who and Little Miss Jocelyn. Suzann is the founder of Young and Talented School of Stage and Screen. 

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Why You Need Media Training: Media Training Tips for Entrepreneurs, Creatives and Professionals

One of the most powerful aspects of public relations is media relations. Many brands and individuals seek PR agencies to undertake a media relations campaign in order to get featured by the press and it is a great way to build credibility. Media coverage raises awareness of your brand and the work of your business and encourages people to pay attention to your business. If you or your PR agency has been fortunate enough to get you media exposure then it is important that you take the time to prepare especially if it is your first time in the media spotlight which is why media training is so important

The ability to effectively communicate your story is critical particularly in today’s digital age. Whether you’re a small business owner, a creative entrepreneur, or a seasoned professional, media training can be the key to unlocking opportunities and building your reputation. . Media training is  often focused on any video or audio interviews but you may find that you need to seek advice on making the most of written interviews. Making sure that you bring your best to a media interview will reap rewards in the future and allow you to capitalise on the content which is created with that interview. Media training will also give you the confidence that you may find that you are lacking due to fear of failure. Effective media training also prepares you for some of the pitfalls that comes with media exposure. Remember that everything you say whether it is written or recorded can make or break your brand, you might go viral for all the right reasons or you could even have a PR crisis for the wrong reasons.  Here's why investing in media training is essential:

Storytelling - Small business owners and creatives often have compelling stories that set them apart from larger competitors. Media training helps refine and craft your narrative to resonate with audiences; ensuring your message is clear, authentic, and engaging. A well-told story not only attracts customers and brand “fans” but also builds lasting emotional connections - this is particularly significant when it comes to personal branding.

Public Speaking - Interacting with the media, presenting at events, or even creating content for social media requires confidence. Media training equips you with the tools to stay poised under pressure, handle tough questions, and maintain a professional demeanour in front of any audience. Confidence in communication boosts credibility and is an important asset for any professional, creative or entrepreneur.

The Digital landscape - With the rise of social media and digital platforms, small missteps can quickly go viral. Media training teaches you how to manage interviews, respond to negative feedback, and use digital channels effectively. By understanding the nuances of different media formats, you can amplify your reach while minimizing risks to your reputation.

Crisis Management - Media training prepares you to handle crises with transparency and grace, ensuring your response doesn’t exacerbate the situation. Being proactive and prepared can mean the difference between a minor issue and a full-blown public relations disaster.

Standing out - Effective media communication sets you apart in a crowded marketplace. Media training helps you define key messages, identify target audiences, and present yourself as a thought leader. Whether you’re pitching to journalists, creating content, or addressing stakeholders, polished communication which is enhanced by media training elevates your professional image.

Maximizing opportunities - A well-prepared professional seizes opportunities with ease. From interviews to live events, media training ensures you’re always ready to represent your brand effectively, turning every interaction into a potential growth opportunity.

In a competitive world, the ability to communicate effectively is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Media training empowers small business owners, creatives, and professionals to share their stories, build trust, and grow their impact.

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Why Working With a Black PR Professional Matters

Working with a Black publicist in the UK can offer numerous benefits and insights, particularly when it comes to understanding and effectively navigating Black British culture in the context of public relations.  A Black publicist is most likely to have a deeper understanding of Black British culture, including its traditions, values, and sensitivities. This knowledge is crucial in developing PR strategies that resonate with the target audience and avoid cultural missteps or misunderstandings.  There have been so many instances where I have seen unnecessary PR crises occur because the teams behind the PR campaigns have very little understanding of cultural diversity due to cultural insensitivity or lack of awareness. Hiring Black PR talent or hiring a Black publicist can help mitigate these risks by providing cultural insights and guiding the team toward more informed decision-making. With the caveat that Black British communities are not a monolith - a good publicist/PR professional will know that there are a variety of African and Caribbean diasporan communities with their own unique experiences, cultures and traditions. 

In terms of representation of brands, particularly brands and public figures with primarily white audiences, Black publicists can provide authentic representation and perspectives within the media and PR campaigns. They can ensure that diverse voices are heard and that the portrayal of Black public figures and communities is accurate and respectful.

I love networking - not necessarily the act of networking but of the impact it can have on our relationship building and widening our community circles. As a Black PR professional/publicist I have built an extensive network within the Black British business and media community. These connections have been invaluable when planning events, securing media coverage, or partnering with influencers or community leaders. This is something that many other Black colleagues in the sector have on also benefited from in their own experience. 

A Black publicist/PR Professional with their fingers on the pulse can keep their clients informed about the latest trends, issues, and discussions within Black British communities. Staying up-to-date with these insights is essential for creating relevant and timely campaigns that speak to Black diasporan audiences.  Black PR pros can use these insights to develop strategies that resonate with audiences, leading to increased engagement and positive brand perception.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the corporate world. Working with a Black publicist demonstrates a commitment to GENUINE inclusivity and can help companies avoid tokenism and greenwashing. Organisations like BME PR Pros and UK Black Comms network are also part of the progressive leadership disrupting the PR industry to drive genuine and tangible change.

Black publicists can help bring attention to positive stories and accomplishments within the Black British communities. This can help counter stereotypes and promote a more accurate representation of Black people and their contributions to wider society. That is not to say that our role is not to help share the truth; there are stories that need to be told even if they make people uncomfortable but Black PR pros can at least provide balanced perspectives when working with the media and undertaking media relations campaigns.

Working with a Black publicist in the UK can lead to more culturally sensitive, relevant, and successful public relations campaigns. Our insights and expertise in navigating Black British culture can help companies foster genuine connections with diverse audiences while promoting inclusivity and understanding.

Learn more about the services that Ariatu PR offers in engaging with Black British Communities here. 

3 Business Problems that Public Relations can solve

Business owners may face Public Relations and communications problems on a day to day basis, many are straight forward and some are a little more complicated. Before I get into the problems let me get back to basics:
"What is PR?"
It's funny because I get asked this question more often than I care to admit and whilst to me it's very simple and straightforward to many business owners looking to hire a PR agency there are blurred definitions that cause confusion and disappointment. I think one of the best definitions that I have found is this via the CIPR: “Public Relations is the discipline which looks after reputation, with the aim of earning understanding and support and influencing opinion and behaviour. It is the planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain goodwill and mutual understanding between an organisation and its publics.”

In PR reputation is KEY - it is the very foundation of what PR is and is relevant not only in business but in the political and even individual personal branding landscape.

Here are 3 problems that PR can help to solve, although it might not be able to fix every single business problem these are a few of the key ones that PR can help to resolve if implemented correctly:

Weak Brand Reputation: Sometimes a company's reputation can start to falter, this could be for an array of reasons but usually it's due to ineffective communication between the customer and the brand itself. With a consistent and unified approach, Public Relations can really help to maintain the brand reputation of a company and/or entrepreneur. The ability to ensure that the brand reputation of a business is held to high regard can really make the difference between high levels of customer retention and low brand loyalty. Use PR to share good news stories and communicate best practice to the customer base and the wider community.

Social Media Crisis: In the social media age, how a business copes with a PR crisis is now more important than ever before. It can take just a few hours for a business to start trending for all of the wrong reasons and without a PR crisis management strategy in place the damage to a company's brand may appear to be irreparable.

Poor Customer Services: The media is now more accessible than ever before, journalists frequently seek interesting news stories via social media and members of the public also approach media outlets directly when they have had a poor customer services experience. PR can be used to improve communication between the customer and the business. Negative feedback can be used to create a change within a business and also improve the relationship it has with it's customers.

These are just 3 problems that PR can help solve but of course it should not be used in isolation. Every member of your business team should seek to help resolve any issues that your business faces and if you're a sole trader then take the time to really focus on what needs to be done to fix your problems.

A useful video on how PR can help small businesses:

(Originally published on http://www.ronkelawal.com/2016/02/problems-that-pr-can-solve.html)

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Why Press Releases are Still Relevant for Small Businesses

There are some parties that argue that the press release is dead and whilst it’s not the be all and end all of telling your business story it is still useful and relevant when publicising your business stories. In my eGuide - How to Write a Press Release and Get Press Coverage for Your Business I show business owners how to write a release but in this piece I wanted to share why they’re relevant in the first place. A press release is an official summary document providing insight and information into a story, update, launch or announcement relevant to an organisation.

Press releases help small businesses gain visibility and reach a broader audience. When a business story is summarised using a release and then pitched to relevant media outlets it can attract the attention of journalists, producers, editors, bloggers, and influencers who may be interested in covering the story. Compared to traditional advertising or marketing campaigns, using a  press release as part of a PR media relations campaign can get traction for a story in an “earned” fashion, i.e. an editorial decision has been made rather than an invoice has been paid to feature the business. So it can be a relatively inexpensive way to raise awareness of the business. This makes releases an attractive option for businesses with limited budgets. As we know there are no guarantees that your story will be featured; you have to be mindful of the fact that your story not only has to be newsworthy but it also has to be timely; however the process of using a release can help engage relevant media.

Press releases enhance the credibility of small businesses by presenting their information in a professional and structured format. When published by reputable media sources, it adds a level of trust and legitimacy to the business, especially for potential customers, investors, and partners. But even if the story contained within the press release doesn’t get featured by the press it is useful for content creation and internal communications for the business itself. As mentioned, if we look at press releases in terms of content they can improve a small business online presence and search engine optimization (SEO) through digital PR tactics. When optimised with relevant keywords and distributed through online channels, press releases can generate backlinks to a business website, improve search engine rankings, and increase organic traffic.

One of the most important purposes of a press release is the way in which they allow small businesses to craft their own narrative and share their unique story. They can highlight new product launches, innovative solutions, awards, partnerships, community involvement, or other notable achievements. By telling a compelling story, businesses can captivate media attention, engage their target audiences and solidify their reputations. 

You don’t have to write a full press release to get your messages across to relevant stakeholders and audiences like direct emails, social media and video content but press releases are  still relevant, their effectiveness can be enhanced by integrating them into a comprehensive PR strategy that includes social media, content marketing, and other promotional activities. As long as you have a story to tell then a release is a great way of getting your messaging across and communicating your brand narrative effectively.

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