Brixton House and PlayWell Productions, in association with Birmingham Hippodrome and The Lowry, have announced the cast for the world premiere of Black Power Desk, a bold new Black British musical running from 1–28 September 2025.
Written by Urielle Klein-Mekongo in collaboration with Rapperturg and Black British Theatre Award winner Gerel Falconer, Black Power Desk is inspired by the Mangrove Nine and the British Black Power movement.
Set in 1970s London, the musical follows two sisters caught between family, community, and the covert operations of the Black Power Desk, a secret police unit inside New Scotland Yard.
The production stars Rochelle Rose (National Theatre, Young Vic, Royal Court) and Veronica Carabai (Royal Court Theatre, National Theatre) as Celia and Dina.
They are joined by Alexander Bellinfantie, Tomos Eames, Gerel Falconer, Fahad Shaft, Chanté Faucher, Alan Drake, and Casey Bird.
Directed by Gbolahan Obisesan (The Fishermen, Cutting It), the show features an original score by Ivor Novello Award winner Renell Shaw (Rudimental), blending RnB, Reggae, Soul, and Ska, performed live on stage.
“This musical was borne from a desire to delve deeper and discover the stories from Black British history that have been left untold,” said playwright Urielle Klein-Mekongo. “At its heart are two sisters, one who is an activist fighting for humanity and the other who wants to hold on to family and live their humanity without the struggle. Told through the lens of two women with a rich 70s musical soundscape, I hope it will touch many hearts and stirs the soul.”
Executive Creative Producer Ruth Hawkins of Brixton House added: “There must be an industry commitment to invest in stories that honour collective Black British history… it’s a privilege to host this story on our stage and collectively we are working hard to see it go beyond us – nationwide.”
Steph Weller of PlayWell Productions said: “The story is timeless, the music is phenomenal, the message as urgent as ever: we can’t wait for people to see it.”
Levi Roots, Chair of Brixton House, commented: “This story will resonate with so many people, including myself who lived through this culture defining time that Black Power Desk speaks to.”
The creative team includes dramaturg Gail Babb, set designer Natalie Pryce, costume designer Jessica Cabassa, lighting designer Prema Mehta, sound designer Tony Gayle, and movement director Jade Hackett.
Black Power Desk is part of Brixton House’s Uprising Festival, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Brixton Uprising.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
