Theatre503 has announced that BIFA-nominated actor Lauryn Ajufo will play Tracey Gordon in its landmark revival of Michaela Coel’s debut play Chewing Gum Dreams.
Directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike and co-produced with tiata fahodzi, the production opens in September and has already extended its run until 10 October 2026 due to strong audience demand. It also marks the launch of a new Theatre503 strand celebrating influential debut plays and the venue’s first partnership with tiata fahodzi.
Originally performed by Coel herself, Chewing Gum Dreams introduced the writer as a major new voice in British theatre. The play was first developed by The Yard Theatre in association with the Bush Theatre in 2012 before transferring to The Shed at the National Theatre in 2014.
Ajufo, named a Screen International Star of Tomorrow in 2022, received a British Independent Film Award nomination for her performance in Boiling Point. Her screen work includes Dreaming While Black, Luther: Fallen Son, Everything Now and Tell Me Everything, while her stage credits include the Royal Court production of John Proctor is a Villain.
The production is directed by Theatre503 Artistic Director Anthony Simpson-Pike, whose credits include Donbas, The P Word, Lava, Grenfell: in the words of survivors and An Octoroon.
Joining him on the creative team are Yimei Zhao as Set and Costume Designer, Christopher Nairne as Lighting Designer, Xana as Sound Designer, Heather Basten CDG as Casting Director and Theophilus O. Bailey as Movement Director.
Michaela Coel, writer of Chewing Gum Dreams, said: “Theatre503 was one of the early supporters of Chewing Gum Dreams and praised the show greatly during its first run in 2012. It is wonderful to see it have its first UK return there and I’m excited for its opening. Wishing their team the best of luck!”
Lauryn Ajufo said: “I’m beyond excited to be part of the first UK revival of the renowned play, Chewing Gum Dreams; to step into the shoes of Michaela Coel is truly an honour. I’m looking forward to working with Anthony and the brilliant team at Theatre503 to bring this beautiful piece of theatre back to life. I can’t wait to watch the magic unfold!”
Anthony Simpson-Pike, Co-CEO and Artistic Director of Theatre503, said: “We’re excited to announce that Lauryn Ajufo will be taking on the iconic role of Tracey, so memorably introduced to the world by the incredible Michaela Coel. This is the first UK production since the original and we couldn’t be prouder to make it at Theatre503, with such a special actor. Lauryn’s talent deserves to be seen by everyone. And clearly audiences are keen to see this new version too as today we’re also announcing an extension due to phenomenal demand.”
Chinonyerem Odimba, CEO and Artistic Director of tiata fahodzi, added: “This feels like an incredibly exciting partnership with Theatre503 not only because it uplifts an important play in the Black British canon, but also because it brings in sharp focus our shared belief that audiences are hungry for work that feels viscerally human and highlights the possibility of what new writing in theatre can achieve. We can’t wait to share the production, the talents, and Anthony’s vision of it.”
Chewing Gum Dreams follows Tracey Gordon as she navigates first love, the final days of school and the experiences that shape her future. Described as fierce, funny and big-hearted, the play remains a significant work in contemporary British theatre.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
