An Original Musical, World Premiere
1970s London. The streets awash with a fever of political unrest, the rhythm of the sound system culture is birthing a new era of soulful lover’s rock, fusing RnB and reggae, amidst the covert Black Power Desk operations of New Scotland Yard. As tensions rise, the community rallies together to stand against injustices and racial divides.
“The day you were born Black was the day politics was made your thing.”
BLACK POWER DESK is a powerful reimagining and exploration of what it means to love and fight for freedom. In an often male-dominated world, two sisters, Celia and Dina – both rooted in self-empowerment and fiercely committed to their community, both loyal and motivated by love – are divided by grief and radical politics. A moving story of sisters who need to reconnect for the sake of their community. But will the fight for their community be worth the damage to their sisterhood? Inspired by the historic Mangrove Nine and other influential activists and brought to life by an original score performed by a live three-piece band, BLACK POWER DESK is a musical soundtrack charting a fiercely emotive and politically charged era of often overlooked British history for today’s generation. At a time of the rise of British Black Panthers, the onset of the Immigration Act 1971, the emergence of Black business ownership and the hails of a generation living through the racial tensions of Great Britain.
Premiering at Brixton House, London this Autumn 2025. Written by the critically acclaimed team of Urielle Klein-Mekongo (Roundhouse, The Bush, The Old Vic), Gerel Falconer (TONES, HighRise, Stage Debut nominee) and Renell Shaw (Ivor Novello Award, Rudimental), directed by Gbolahan Obisesan (Young Vic, The Bush, Royal Court). Other creatives includeNatalie Pryce, Tony Gayle, Prema Mehta and Jessica Cabassa.
Book, Lyrics and Composition by Urielle Klein-Mekongo
Lyrics and Rapperturgy by Gerel Falconer
Music and Composition by Renell Shaw
Development and Dramaturgy by Gail Babb
Directed by Gbolahan Obisesan
BLACK POWER DESK is generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, Axis and L&Q.
Development supported by Birmingham Hippodrome, Brixton House, China Plate, Genesis Foundation, Hackney Empire, Mercury Musical Developments, Musical Theatre Network, Old Vic 12, PlayWell Productions, Stage One Bursary Scheme for New Producers, 1927, and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Price
Prices and discounts subject to changeRunning Time
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including an interval
Age guidance
Recommended age 12+
This show contains strong language, racialised slurs, potential depiction of violence and suggested sexual assault.
Performances
CONCESSIONS
We offer a range of discounts and concessions to enable everyone to enjoy an affordable visit to Birmingham Hippodrome.
FRIENDS
2 for 1 on price band A, available on Wed & Thu performances
CONCESSIONS FOR UNDER 16s, 65+, FULL-TIME STUDENTS & CLAIMANTS
£5 off tickets to all performances, price band A
GROUPS
8+ tickets – Save £4 per ticket, available on Wed & Thu performances.
Call our dedicated Group Sales Team on 0121 689 3010 for more information and to book now!
CLICK HERE for further information on Group Bookings
EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS (Under 18)
Parties of 10 or more pay £12.50 per ticket plus 1 FREE ticket for teacher/supervising adult for every 10 booked (2 free tickets for SEN bookings), available on Wed & Thu performances, price bands A-B.
CLICK HERE for further information on School Bookings
For school bookings, please call Group Sales on 0121 689 3010 for more information and to book now!
CONCESSIONS FOR PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES
£5 off tickets to all performances
2 for 1 tickets where carer or companion required to all performances
CLICK HERE for more information on our Access Performances
STUDENT, PASSPORT TO LEISURE AND POSTCODE STANDBY
24 hours prior to a performance, best available seats for the lowest price, maximum 2 per booker, subject to availability
CLICK HERE for further information on our Standby Rate and our On the Day Postcode Scheme for Birmingham residents living in B6, B9, B10, B11 and B21
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Discounts and Concessions are offered subject to availability at the discretion of the Information and Sales Manager. Top three price bands only, unless otherwise stated. Restrictions may apply. Only one discount per ticket may apply, unless otherwise stated. Offers are non retrospective and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid ID must be presented where applicable. Additional discounts may be offered from time to time.
We strive to provide access for all
For dates of audio-described, captioned or British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances, please see below. These vary from show to show.
If you would like to book for any accessible performance, please make sure you are signed up to our access registration scheme here. Once registered, you will be able to book seats online, see only relevant seats and information based on your needs – plus choose any relevant discounts. If you would prefer not to book online, you can speak to our friendly access advisors on 0121 689 1060.
- BSL Interpreted: Thu 23 Oct, 7.15pm
- Audio Described: Sat 25 Oct, 2pm
BSL Interpreter: Rachel Jones
Concessions for patrons with disabilities
£5 off standard price tickets in all seating areas.
2 for 1 for disabled patrons who require the service/support of a companion.
Limited availability.
Further information
Information about our access registration scheme here
About our accessible performances here
About our accessible facilities here
★★★★★
"Seven years in the making and well worth the wait...Essential viewing"
WhatsOnStage
★★★★★
“A triumph”
Everything Theatre
★★★★★
“A powerful and poignant piece of work”
All That Dazzles
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