Jermyn Street Theatre celebrates 30 years with premieres from Roy Williams and Stephen Unwin

n a landmark celebration of three decades of dramatic storytelling, the Jermyn Street Theatre has unveiled its 30th-anniversary program.

The Artistic Director Stella Powell-Jones and Executive Producer David Doyle today announced a season of world premieres featuring works by two of Britain’s most esteemed playwrights, Roy Williams OBE and Stephen Unwin.

Kicking off the season at the end of February is the much-anticipated theatrical adaptation of Sam Selvon’s seminal novel, The Lonely Londoners. For the first time, this pivotal work will be brought to the stage by the Olivier-nominated Roy Williams, whose compelling narratives have positioned him as a defining voice in modern playwriting. Set against the backdrop of 1956 London, the story follows Trinidadian immigrant Henry ‘Sir Galahad’ Oliver as he arrives in the city full of expectations, only to confront a harsh reality. Directed by Ebenezer Bamgboye, former Carne Deputy Director, the production promises to reinterpret notions of home and identity, with a run scheduled from 29 February – 6 April.

Spring will see the world premiere of Laughing Boy, from 25 April – 25 May, penned and directed by the critically-acclaimed Stephen Unwin. Based on Sara Ryan’s memoir Justice for Laughing Boy, the play recounts the harrowing yet resilient story of Connor Sparrowhawk, a young man with learning disabilities whose preventable death in NHS care sparked a transformative campaign for justice. This narrative, deeply personal and yet universally resonant, emerges on stage as a co-production with Theatre Royal Bath. Unwin, returning to the Jermyn Street Theatre after his successful plays including All Our Children, brings another powerful piece that traverses the personal grief of a family and the political landscape of healthcare and disability rights.

Prior to these premieres, the theatre will host its third Footprints Festival from 10 January – 10 February. The festival is set to present a suite of six pioneering and audacious productions, offering a platform to a diverse array of emerging talents.

Stella Powell-Jones and David Doyle said: “The Lonely Londoners and Laughing Boy are huge stories told by huge talents. Roy and Stephen have both done so much to shape the theatrical landscape of today and we’re thrilled to be premiering their new plays. We can’t wait to share these generation-defining stories from the unparalleled intimacy of our stage. Epic, playful, and full of heart, these plays are the perfect way to launch our 30th birthday celebrations!”

For more information and tickets, visit www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk