The Royal Court Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for the world premiere of Blood of my Blood by Joy Nesbitt, part of the theatre’s 70th anniversary season.
Marking Nesbitt’s Royal Court playwriting debut, Blood of my Blood is directed by Tatenda Shamiso, who returns to the venue following her work on A Good House and No I.D.
Set between 1862 and the present day, the play follows a pregnant Black woman who visits a former plantation, now operating as an Airbnb, where she seeks answers from her ancestors. The story explores themes of family, history and belonging across generations.
The production will run in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 7 November 2026, with press night scheduled for Wednesday 7 October 2026.
The cast features Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ, Jodie Campbell, Hannah Morrish, Karene Peter and Patrick Vaill.
The creative team includes Set and Costume Designer Natalie Pryce, Lighting Designer Simisola Majekodunmi, Movement and Intimacy Director Ingrid Mackinnon, and Sound Designer Kayodeine.
They are joined by Royal Court Dramaturg Laetitia Somé and Casting Director Saffeya Shebli, alongside Dialect Coach Aundrea Fudge, Dramatherapist Samantha Adams and Assistant Director Marley-Rose Liburd.
The play is described as: “Bullock Creek, South Carolina, 1862. As war rages beyond the plantation, Ginnie Good raises her five children in a cabin that will outlast them all. Today: A woman rents the cabin on AirBnB to conjure her ancestors.”
It continues: “Joy Nesbitt makes her Royal Court debut with a haunting new play about inheritance, belonging, and what we hear when we listen to the voices of the past.”
Joy Nesbitt and Tatenda Shamiso said: “We’ve assembled a phenomenally talented team to bring Blood of My Blood to life, and we can’t wait for you to see it! It’s such an honour to bring this work to the Royal Court, exploring and naming our heritage on our own terms”.
Supported by the Concord Theatricals Unpublished Playwrights Award, the production is also a recipient of the Clare McIntyre Bursary.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
