Talawa Theatre Company unveils cast for jazz musical Play On! inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

Talawa Theatre Company has announced the cast for the UK premiere of Play On!, a jazz-infused musical inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The production, set against the backdrop of the 1940s New York jazz scene, will tour the UK from September 2024 to February 2025. The tour will include a significant winter stint at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.

Play On! features a Duke Ellington score and reimagines the classic tale in a time when jazz was the heartbeat of New York. The storyline follows Viola, portrayed by Tsemaye Bob-Egbe (known from SIX The Musical and TINA: The Tina Turner Musical), as she navigates the male-dominated music industry disguised as a man. The cast also includes Kori Hedgemon as Lady Liv, the star singer at The Cotton Club, and Earl Gregory as The Duke, the club’s celebrated songwriter.

Other notable cast members include Llewellyn Jamal as Jester, Cameron Bernard Jones as Rev, Lifford Shillingford as Sweets, Tanya Edwards as Miss Mary and Gleanne Purcell-Brown as Ceecee. The ensemble is rounded out by talents such as Natalia Brown, Freya Karlettis, Amber Cayasso and Jarnéia Richard-Noel, among others.

Directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong and choreographed by Kenrick Sandy, Play On! is produced in partnership with multiple renowned theatres and production companies, including the Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome and Bristol Old Vic. The show aims to provide substantial opportunities for actors and creatives of African and Caribbean descent, addressing underrepresentation in the theatre sector.

This production is part of Talawa’s 2024 Black Joy season, supported by Arts Council England and the National Lottery. It reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to showcasing Black talent and narratives through compelling theatrical experiences.

Play On! will visit several key venues across the UK, including the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry, Liverpool Everyman, Salisbury Playhouse, and Bristol Old Vic, before concluding its run at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London.

The musical is not just a celebration of Shakespeare and jazz but also a platform for mid-career talent from the global majority, highlighting Talawa’s role in fostering diversity and creativity in the performing arts. This tour is anticipated to be a vibrant addition to the UK’s cultural calendar, offering a unique blend of music, drama and history.

The editorial unit

Play On! is at the Lyric Hammersmith from 28^th January until 22^nd February 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.