New shows by exciting writers, in development by Theatre Royal

Make sure you’re’ on the mailing list to be the first to find out what’s coming up next. A brief introduction to some of the exciting shows coming up later this year and beyond…

Benjamin Zephaniah’s GANGSTA RAP

adapted by Benjamin Zephaniah and Rodney P

Set in Stratford, East London, this new hip-hop musical tells the story of a young boy who uses his talent as a rapper to find fame and fortune as a star. Along with his posse of friends, he achieves this, but at a price. The story is told with beats and rhymes by one of the UK’s leading hip-hop artists, Rodney P.

BRIXTON ROCK

by Alex Wheatle, adapted for the stage by Kolton Lee

This play with music is set in 1981 at the height of the Brixton Riots. It tells the story of 17 year old Brenton who is looking for answers about his life. Along the way he falls in love with Juliet, who we later discover is not who he thought she was. This hard hitting story won’t be afraid to pack punches as it deals with racism and its consequences.

COME DANCING

Music and Lyrics by Ray Davies, Book by Ray Davies, Terry Johnson and Paul Sirett

Ray Davies of The Kinks fame has set this large-scale musical in 50’s London, where we see the world though the eyes of young Terry and his big sister Julie. She loves dancing at the Ilford Palais but with the community fast changing it is clear things will soon never be the same again. Ray’s hit song ‘Come Dancing’ is the one classic in an otherwise completely original new score.

LIFT New Parliament

LIFT, the London International Festival of Theatre, is launching the LIFT New Parliament in June 2008 in Stratford. Curated by a team of international programmers from around the world, it will be a space for the community to use for debate, for workshops, to see performances or in whatever way it wants. A structure will be erected here and then transferred to the South Bank. Theatre Royal will be presenting a special programme of work as part of this event.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF IAN DURY

A co-production with Graeae Theatre Company, you’ll have every reason to be cheerful enjoying this celebration of the life, times and music of this barrier-breaking rock’n’roll icon.

THE PRISON

A new play by Yasmin Khan, The Prison is set in a women’s gaol. It gives a unique insight into everyday existence behind bars and the effect incarceration has on the lives of the women who find themselves there.