‘For the first time in my life, everything was silent’
A memory: reggae pioneer Sutara Gayle AKA Lorna Gee hears her radio debut from Holloway Prison. Another: the Brixton uprising, sparked by the police shooting of her sister. Now: a silent retreat, seeking spiritual guidance from her brother Mooji and Nanny of the Maroons.
A raucous, transcendent night out full of high-octane musical numbers and sharp comedy, The Legends of Them offers a roof-raising mixtape of Sutara’s extraordinary life – and the legends that have guided her.
Coming to the Royal Court after a critically-acclaimed, sell-out Brixton debut, Hackney Showroom’s unmissable The Legends of Them is written and performed by award-winning actor and reggae star Sutara Gayle AKA Lorna Gee, directed by Jo McInnes.
A Hackney Showroom production originated with Brixton House with support from Arts Council England, National Theatre Generate Programme & Maria Björnson Memorial Fund. With thanks to Gino Ricardo Green, original Projection Designer.
Post-show talk | Thur 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 rollcall 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.
''This play deserves a huge stage and an even larger audience.'
Afridiziak Read full review
'An immensely personal journey, it is one we feel privileged to share.'
Reviews Hub Read full review
'Breathtaking solo musical chronicle of Sutara Gayle’s extraordinary life.'
The Stage Read full review
'A powerful record of collective trauma and healing from a true Brixton luminary.'
A Youngish Perspective Read full review
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Monday – Friday: 7.30pm
Thursdays: 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Saturdays: 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Running time: approx 1 hr 20 mins without an interval
Age recommendation: 14+
This show contains smoke, strobe and flashing lights, loud music / noises including gun shots
Read full details about your visit to the Royal Court
Access Performances
Captioned: Wed 18 Dec, 7.30pm
Chilled: Wed 18 Dec, 7.30pm
Extras
The Company
Choose a date
Sat 14 Dec 6.30pm
Post-show Late Gig: A rollcall of female reggae artists perform live with host Lorna Gee. This event is free with a ticket to that evening’s performance.
Tue 17 Dec 7.30pm
Special show for womxn of colour audiences plus a post show Sista Circle to reflect on themes of The Legends of Them by Sutara Gayle, hosted by a special guest. Please note: this show is aimed at womxn, femmes and NBs of colour but no-one will be turned a
Wed 18 Dec 7.30pm
This performance will be Chilled & Captioned with a Familiarisation Tour at 7pm. For more information, see the Access page on our website.