Slave Play sets UK premiere date at London’s Noël Coward Theatre with star-studded cast

The award-winning play Slave Play, penned by Jeremy O Harris and directed by Robert O’Hara, is set to make its UK premiere at London’s Noël Coward Theatre, running from the 29^th June to 21^st September 2024. Known for breaking records at the 74^th Tony Awards with 12 nominations and becoming the most Tony-nominated play in history, Slave Play will feature a stellar cast that includes Fisayo Akinade, Kit Harington, Aaron Heffernan and Olivia Washington, alongside James Cusati-Moyer, Chalia La Tour, Annie McNamara and Irene Sofia Lucio, who will reprise their roles from the original Broadway production. 

Slave Play, which delves into themes of race, identity and sexuality in 21^st-century America, originally debuted in 2018 at the New York Theatre Workshop before its Broadway transfer. The London production promises to offer an equally compelling and thought-provoking experience, set against the backdrop of the MacGregor Plantation, where appearances are deceptive and the past is ever-present.

The production has announced special BLACKOUT nights on 17^th July and 17^th September, designed to provide an exclusive environment for Black-identifying audiences to witness and discuss the performance free from the white gaze. This initiative follows a successful Broadway precedent, aiming to celebrate and reflect upon the diverse and complex history of Black narratives in theatre.

Harris expressed his gratitude for the play’s journey and its contribution to the representation of Black writers on the West End. He also acknowledged the path paved by fellow Black British playwrights, expressing hope for more opportunities for writers of colour on commercial stages.

Slave Play is a groundbreaking addition to London’s West End, promising to challenge and engage audiences in vital conversations about our shared history and present. Tickets are set to go on sale at 12pm on 28^th February at www.slaveplaylondon.com, with a Pay What You Can lottery offering over 200 tickets weekly at prices starting from just £1.

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Slave Play is at Noël Coward Theatre from 29^th June until 21^st September 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.