New comedy Brenda’s Got A Baby to make world premiere at New Diorama Theatre

Nouveau Riche and New Diorama have announced the world premiere of new comedy Brenda’s Got A Baby.

From the makers of Queens of Sheba and For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, Jessica Hagan’s play is described as a “major new comedy about black womanhood, sisterhood, motherhood – and babyhood.”

It runs from 31 October – 2 December 2023 at the New Diorama Theatre in London.

Making up the cast will be Michelle Asante, Jordan Duvigneau, Jahmila Heath, Edward Kagutuzi and Anita-Joy Uwajeh.

After an unexpected break-up and beaten down by comparison to her married little sister, Ama embarks on a crazed journey to become a mother.

Rollercoastering from a Black sperm donor shortage to a racialised healthcare system – and an overbearing family of her own – Ama’s charging head-first into embarrassing conversations, awkward encounters and defiant decisions. And time is running out…

The production is directed by Anastasia Osei-Kuffour with design TK Hay, lighting Ben Jacobs, sound Khalil Madovi, dramaturgy Naomi Obeng. The producer for Nouveau Riche is Sarah Verghese.

Playwright Jessica Hagan said:”I’m thrilled to be working with New Diorama and Nouveau Riche again – both incredibly nurturing of my journey as a writer. This play was birthed through a pressing desire in me as a playwright and theatre-goer to make something spirited and audacious.

“While addressing critical contemporary issues in Black Women’s lives, more than anything I want to offer our audiences a collective release, unrestrained laughter and a unified response to the craziness that happens on stage – so come on down and join us.”

Brenda’s Got A Baby originates from New Diorama’s 2022 Intervention01 programme, temporarily suspending public performances to invest in independent artists. The show’s development included community workshops with Black women exploring experiences and norms around family and motherhood, as well as the startling reality that Black women in the UK are four times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth than white women.

For more information and tickets, visit newdiorama.com