TOURING 2025 – DATES ANNOUNCED SOON
It ran 5 – 21 Dec 2024 at the Royal Court.
Royal Court Theatre presents a Hackney Showroom production originated with Brixton House
“For the first time in my life, everything was silent.”
A memory: South London reggae pioneer Sutara Gayle – AKA Lorna Gee – hears her radio debut from Holloway Prison. Another: She’s engulfed in the Brixton uprising sparked by the police shooting of her sister. And now she is here, a silent retreat, seeking spiritual guidance from her brother Mooji and ancestor Nanny of the Maroons, and a moment of transcendence.
Powered by high-octane musical numbers, virtuoso performance and raucous comedy, The Legends of Them is a breath-taking, roof-raising chronicle of Sutara’s singular, extraordinary life – and of the legends that have guided her.
For a limited run only, the Royal Court presents Hackney Showroom’s unmissable The Legends of Them, written and performed by British actor and internationally acclaimed reggae artist Sutara Gayle, AKA Lorna Gee, and directed by Jo McInnes.
With thanks to Arts Council England, National Theatre Generate Programme & Maria Björnson Memorial Fund.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Post-show talk – Thurs 12 Dec
Collaborators Sutara Gayle and Jo McInnes in conversation with The Legends of Them Associate Artist Martina Laird. This event is free with a ticket to that evening’s performance.
Late Gig: Lovers Rock Edition – Sat 14 Dec
A roll call of female reggae artists perform live with host Lorna Gee. Featuring Jo Caesar, Sese Foster, Lyn Gerald, Paulette Tajah, Audrey Scott & Floetic Lara + DJ KASPA. This event is free with a ticket to that evening’s performance.
Womxn of Colour Night + Sista Circle Post-show talk – Tues 17 Dec
Special show for womxn of colour audiences, plus a post-show Sista Circle to reflect on themes of The Legends of Them, hosted by Dawn Estefan.
Please note: this show is aimed at womxn, femmes and NBs of colour but no one will be turned away.
REVIEWS:
★★★★★
“Absorbing and visceral”
The Stage
★★★★★
“A tour de force”
Afridiziak
★★★★
“Pummelling and powerful”
Time Out
★★★★
“A singular, hypnotic show”
Financial Times
★★★★
“Nothing short of awe-inspiring”
WhatsOnStage
★★★★
“A show that plays to your heart”
The Times
TEAM:
Sutara Gayle Writer & Performer
Jo McInnes Director & Co-Creator
Nina Lyndon Dramaturg & Co-Creator
Christella Litras Composer & Musical Director
Elena Peña Sound Designer
Joshie Harriette Lighting Designer
Tyler Forward Projection Designer
Daniel Batters Video Artist
Melissa Simon-Hartman Costume Designer
Sam Curtis Lindsay Associate Director
Martina Laird Associate Artist
With thanks to Gino Ricardo Green, original Projection Designer and Tony Gayle, original Sound Designer.
For the Royal Court:
Steven Atkinson Executive Producer
Hannah Lyall Lead Producer
Marius Rønning Production Manager
Mica Taylor Company Manager
Slide show photos by Harry Elletson