London Performance Studios and Unfinished Histories will present a staged reading of Martin Patrick’s Where To Now on 13 and 14 November 2025, as part of the Radical Rediscovery: Homosexual Acts & Beyond exhibition public programme.
Originally written in 1987, Where To Now explores the existential journey of a successful Jamaican man who sacrifices everything to become a British gentleman and scholar.
Set against the backdrop of the 1981 Brixton riots, the play follows the protagonist’s personal and political awakening as a gay man navigating interracial relationships and identity within the Black British community.
After ending a decade-long relationship with a white Englishman, he begins a new chapter with a Black American partner, culminating in the creation of a Black Arts festival following the 1985 riots.
Where To Now was selected for Gay Sweatshop in 1987 and is believed to be the first play by a Black British gay playwright to be staged in London.
This 2025 production is directed by Lesley Ewen and features a cast including Dickie Beau, Cyril Nri, Harry Omosele, Marcus Amaglo and Rebecca Scroggs.
Dr Susan Croft, co-founder of Unfinished Histories, said:
“When we programmed Martin Patrick’s Where To Now for the first Unfinished Histories Playreading Marathon in July 2025 it had taken some time finding a gay Black British male playwright: there weren’t very many in the 70s and 80s, the period UH focuses on. But it became the out-and-out success of the day, challenging stereotypical thinking about intergenerational and interracial relationships, including those of fathers and sons, with its moving, nuanced, complex portrayal of its central characters. I am hugely looking forward to seeing it realised as a staged reading and before long, I hope, to a fully staged revival.”
Playwright Martin Patrick added:
“After my experience of the July reading by Unfinished Histories, I was deeply moved by the play, because 40 years ago when I had the idea for it, I knew the importance of the subject matter. Today, in 2025, it reminded me of the need to see and read about the love Black gay men strive to bring into their lives with people worldwide. I continue to write about that in novels. I’m so glad UH have brought new life to a play that was almost forgotten.”
Performances will take place at London Performance Studios, Penarth Street, London SE15 1TR. The Thursday 13 November performance will be followed by a social gathering, while the Friday 14 November performance includes a Q&A with guest speakers.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
