Play On! musical revival set for tour and London run

Talawa, the UK’s preeminent Black theatre company, is to stage a revival production of Play On!

As part of its Black Joy 2024 season, Play On! will head on a UK tour and play in London at the Lyric Hammersmith from 28 January – 22 February 2025.

Play On!, a musical that reimagines Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night within the vibrant 1940s New York jazz scene, featuring a soundtrack by Duke Ellington. This rendition, conceived by Sheldon Epps with a book by Cheryl L. West, follows a young songwriter who navigates the challenges of a male-dominated music world by disguising herself as a man.

Meet Vy, a talented songwriter looking to make it big in the 1940’s Harlem scene. She quickly learns from her uncle Jester that women will never be taken seriously in a man’s world. But, like many a strong hero, she refuses to accept defeat. Through her gender fluid cunning, she meets club owner The Duke and sensational nightclub singer Lady Liv and is swept up in a syncopated symphony of melodies, mistaken identities and romance. Who will come out on top?

Prepare to be wowed by this musical spectacular that will have your toes tapping and hands clapping along with the timeless soundtrack.

Michael Buffong will direct the production, which will also visit Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Bristol Old Vic, Liverpool Everyman and Salisbury Playhouse.