“Brixton Calling,” a thrilling new stage production with live music, premieres at Southwark Playhouse this summer. Inspired by Simon Parkes' memoir “Live at the Brixton Academy”, the play tells the incredible true story of how a 23-year-old bought a derelict cinema for £1 and transformed it into an iconic music venue.
Written by Alex Urwin and directed by Bronagh Lagan, it stars Max Runham and Tendai Humphrey Sitima as musicians and multi-rolling characters. Set in 1980s Brixton, the play explores themes of resistance, creativity, and cultural change during a politically charged era. The show pulses with the energy of reggae, punk, and rave, and doubles as a tribute to a venue that defined a generation.