Theatre Peckham, responsible for kick-starting the careers of Star War’s John Boyega and Bad Education’s Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, is celebrating its 40th birthday, writes Oliver London…
John Boyega on stage – In The House Fairy. Picture supplied by Theatre Peckham.
To mark the occasion on May 2, the theatre on Havil Street, is hosting a free exhibition displaying archive material and will be launching their annual Peckham Fringe Festival.
The fringe opens with the first ever performance of WITNESS, a stage adaptation of Alex Wheatle’s 2022 novel, directed by Theatre Peckham Artistic Director Dr Suzann McLean.
WITNESS tells the story of a young man in a Pupil Referral Unit who witnesses a shocking act of violence, forcing him to choose between protecting those close to him and speaking out.
The production includes local artists at different stages of their careers, including the West End’s Albert Magashi in the lead role of Cornell and members of Theatre Peckham’s academy in supporting roles.
An important element of the theatre’s local impact is their so-called ‘Theatre Peckham Model’, which offers pathways to support children, young people and artists in training, development, and the creation of new work.
Speaking about the production, Dr McLean said: “WITNESS is a powerful example of the theatre’s journey – with artists who began here now creating work at a professional level.”
On May 4, Peckham Fringe will also feature a dedicated Alex Wheatle day in collaboration with Words of Colour, bringing together writers, performers and screen talent for a public conversation and Q&A.
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The anniversary aims to celebrate the people, voices, and communities that have shaped the theatre over the past four decades, since it was founded in 1986 by Teresa Early MBE.
Full details of the Peckham Fringe programme will be announced in due course. Tickets for the event can be found at their website.
