The world premiere of Syncopated will take place at Liverpool Playhouse Studio from Tuesday 23rd September to Saturday 4th October 2025, with a press night on Thursday 25th September at 7pm. It will also play Fairfield Halls in Croydon 8th – 18th October.
Part of Talawa Theatre Company’s Black Joy season, Syncopated is a soul-stirring two-hander that blends music, memory, and forgotten history. Co-commissioned by Liverpool Playhouse and Talawa, the production will later transfer to Talawa’s studio theatre at Fairfield Halls in Croydon.
Written by award-winning writer Varaidzo (Bus Stop, The Good Immigrant, Manny and the Baby), Syncopated explores the weight of history, the pursuit of dreams, and the transformative power of performance.
Set on the docks of Liverpool, the play stars Joseph Munroe-Robinson (Return to the Forbidden Planet) as HIM/Frank, a young musician, and Teddy Oyediran (Slave: A Question of Freedom) as HER/Penny, an inquisitive Scouser.
As the night unfolds, Frank and Penny conjure the story of The Southern Syncopated Orchestra, a real-life African American jazz band that brought the rhythms of New Orleans to post-WWI Britain.
The play resurrects the imagined lives of two members of this historic ensemble, whose romance unfolds against the backdrop of 1919 race riots and rising fascism. Music becomes their refuge and escape.
Directed by Tian Glasgow (Tomorrow is Not Promised, Threshold), Syncopated weaves together past and present, real and imagined, love and legacy.
Joining the creative team are set and costume designer Keshi Raghu (WTF is Shakespeare), sound designer Danni Skeritt, lighting designer Stella Okafor-Ross, and movement director Yandass (Founder and Artistic Director of I M Pact collective).
Nathan Powell, Creative Director of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatre, said:
“We’re so happy to continue our partnership with Talawa, one of our Associate Companies, during their Black Joy Season. Realising this new show, opening here in Liverpool, is a joy of its very own. We can’t wait to share Varaidzo’s brilliant story and for it to be enjoyed by audiences in our great cities.”
Michael Buffong, Artistic Director of Talawa Theatre Company, added:
“Talawa’s Black Joy season has been one of the most ambitious and successful endeavours in our nearly 40-year history. Bringing the season to a close with the highly anticipated studio show Syncopated is a full circle moment, nurturing new work rooted in Liverpool’s musical culture and history. It is an honour to have the opportunity to collaborate with Varaidzo and the team at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse to do what we do best: shine a light on the prodigious talents of Black and global majority creatives.”
This world premiere offers music and storytelling as redemptive, healing, and a connecting bridge across generations.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
