Black Power Desk at Lowry
Kristy Stott, Theatre EditorBook now
Black Power Desk
Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.
The hidden history of Britain’s Black Power movement takes centre stage in Black Power Desk, a bold new musical that premiered to five-star acclaim at Brixton House this autumn. Luckily for us Northerners, it comes to Lowry this October. What’s On Stage hailed the “authenticity of its actors” and its portrayal of “a forgotten but hugely important aspect of Black British history.” Powerfully political and celebratory soulful, the show shines a light on the covert operations of New Scotland Yard in the 1970s – a chapter of British history too often overlooked – while asking urgent questions that still resonate today.
Set against the backdrop of 1970s London, the show pulses with the rhythm of sound system culture and the rise of soulful lover’s rock, fusing RnB and reggae into a soundtrack of resistance and resilience. Amid the political unrest, two sisters – Celia and Dina – find themselves caught between grief, radical politics and their love for community. Fierce, committed and determined to make a difference, they must navigate the tensions between personal loyalty and the fight for collective justice. Inspired by the historic Mangrove Nine trial, the production blends political struggle with the intimacy of family drama – all brought to life by a live three-piece band.
Behind the show is a powerhouse creative team. Writer-performer Urielle Klein-Mekongo (Yvette), composer Renell Shaw (Ivor Novello Award winner), and lyricist/rapper Gerel Falconer (Death of England) join forces under the direction of Gbolahan Obisesan (Little Baby Jesus, former artistic director of Brixton House). Together, they bring theatrical flair, lyrical fire and musical invention to a story rooted in resistance but bursting with heart.
It’s no surprise that Lowry is co-producing alongside Brixton House and Birmingham Hippodrome. The Salford venue has become a hotbed for urgent new writing – staging stories that challenge, inspire and connect. With its mix of history, politics, music and personal struggle, Black Power Desk is essential viewing – one of the most distinctive and vital productions of the season.
