Tag: daniel bailey

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The Stage Debut Awards 2024

On Sunday 29 September 2024, I attended The Stage Debut Awards. The Debut Awards highlight breakthrough actors, writers, directors, designers, composers/lyricists across 8 categories.

I had the amazing opportunity to meet the award nominees, guest performers, and hosts. I loved speaking with them, learning about their journey & their excitement to be part of this joyous ceremony!

Here are my interviews from the evening:

Joshua Ginsberg – Nominee for Best Performer in a Musical for ‘Cable Street‘

How does it feel to be nominated?

Joshua: It’s an honour. I’m so proud of this show and to be a part of it. I’m very happy to be here.

Would you mind telling us about Cable Street?

Joshua: It’s set in 1936 and is the story of three different communities. A time when Oswald Moseley’s British Union Fascists were on the rise. There was a battle on Cable Street to blockade the march. It’s a story of communities coming together to rise up and stand for what’s right.

Any advice for young, aspiring performers trying to make it into Musical Theatre?

Joshua: Just be patient and focus on your craft. Keep developing your skills. There can be a lot of rejection, you’ve just got to persevere.

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers – Nominee for Best West End Debut for ‘Romeo + Juliet’

How does it feel to be nominated?

Francesca: It feels great – I am very humbled to be in a room with so many amazing people who I’ve looked up to for the longest time. Especially now to be able to celebrate. It was a tough old job, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be like, “Yeah, I did that!” We did that – the community. It’s a win for all of us! It was all of us that got me through this. I couldn’t have done this without the community support. My fellow black creative communities. It’s amazing, I’m celebrating for all of us.

Any advice for aspiring creatives, particularly Black creatives?

Francesca: Make your own work. ‘Kola Nut’ (at Bush Theatre) was an experiment with West African storytelling and that was the beauty of that show. We were bringing our creative flexes into the space. Keep on working on your own thing, your own craft. Connect with your culture. That is what is going to carry you through. That is the secret ingredient! (laughs) That’s the sauce! It’s important. You’re not alone, it’s spiritual, it’s ancestral. We’re all behind you. 

Daniel Bailey – Winner for Best Creative West End debut for ‘Red Pitch’

How does it feel to win ‘Best Creative West End debut’?

Daniel: It feels good. It’s good to be recognised for the work you do. And it’s about recognising all those that contributed to the show and made the show what it was.

How did it feel moving ‘Red Pitch’ from Bush Theatre to the West End

Daniel: I felt it needed the space to grow. I will always love it at the Bush, but I wanted us to be able to reach new audiences. It still felt like it kept its authenticity. It still kept its south London swag. It was good to come up in the West End and have us, unapologetically Black. Unapologetically from the ends in West End

Any advice for aspiring directors/creatives?

Daniel: Your unique selling point is you. There’s no one else that can be you, better than you. And that also applies to the work that you make. Bring yourself to it as much as you can. Don’t hide that part of yourself.

Azuka Oforka – Winner for Best Writer for ‘The Women of Llanrumney’

Congratulations! How does it feel to have won ‘Best Writer’?

Azuka: To win ‘Best Writer’, for your first play – I’d say it’s a dream come true. But I honestly didn’t dream of this. Just to be commissioned to write a story that you’re passionate about, is a dream come true.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Azuka: Finish your plays. Consistency is really important. I’m 42 – and I made my debut at 42 years old. If I was consistent, I might have had an earlier debut (laughs). Finish the work, share the work, and hopefully you get feedback. Feedback helps you grow and become a better writer.

And how are you going to celebrate?

Azuka: I only sipped slowly on a glass of bubbly earlier, because I was nervous. Now, I’m going to sip quicker! (laughs)

The Winners in Full:

Best Performer in a Play (Sponsored by Theatrical Rights Worldwide):
● Ellie-May Sheridan for London Tide at National Theatre, London
● Louis McCartney for Stranger Things: The First Shadow at Phoenix Theatre, London

Best Performer in a Musical (Sponsored by Michael Harrison Entertainment):
● Jeevan Braich for Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London
● Grace Hodgett Young for Sunset Boulevard at Savoy Theatre, London

Best Director (Sponsored by Arts Council England):
● Sophie Drake for The Bleeding Tree at the Southwark Playhouse Borough, London

Best Designer (Sponsored by Preevue):
● Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (video) for Sunset Boulevard at Savoy Theatre,
London

Best Writer (Sponsored by Sonia Friedman Productions):
● Sam Grabiner for Boys on the Verge of Tears at Soho Theatre, London
● Azuka Oforka for The Women of Llanrumney at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer (Sponsored by Crossroads Live):
● Jack Godfrey for 42 Balloons at The Lowry, Manchester

Best West End Debut Performer (Sponsored by Noël Coward Foundation):
● Jack Wolfe for Next to Normal at Wyndham’s Theatre, London

Best Creative West End Debut (Sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment):
● Daniel Bailey (director) for Red Pitch at @sohoplace, London

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REVIEW: Red Pitch – @sohoplace

🎭 Red Pitch
📍@sohoplace
🎟️ PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tyrell Williams’ powerful play returns to Bush Theatre, and explores friendship, change and the impact of gentrification.

The story

We meet Bilal, Omz and Joey (Kedar Williams Stirling, Francis Lovehall and Emeka Sesay) – 3 Black teenagers and aspiring footballers who hang out on Reedbury estate in South London. The trio frequently play football on ‘Red Pitch’, practicing their skills for when they make it professionally. They banter, bicker, talk about girls and recollect their memories on the estate. Throughout the play, the boys prepare for the demolition of the estate and their impending relocation from ‘ends’. 

As the play unfolds, we discover Bilal, Omz and Joey’s aspirations, their family life, and the pressure and expectations held upon them. The regeneration of their estate has a profound impact and the show cleverly explores the disadvantages and potential benefits of this. This powerful story is about friendship, community, our dreams and change.

Photo by Helen Murray

My thoughts

As soon as we enter the space, we are immersed into Bilal, Omz and Joey’s world. The actors arrive on stage, performing kick-ups, and chatting with the crowd – some audience members even joined them on stage!

Having watched the show at the Bush Theatre, it was amazing to see the elevation of the production in terms of the creative design. We feel like we are directly on the estate, with distant sounds of destruction, rattling from the scaffolding, and protests from the residents – all while the boys talk and play football. Khalil Madovi’s sound design is such a subtle yet significant way to showcase the impending changes.  Amelia Jane Hankin’s football-inspired set design transports us to Red Pitch, with the fenced area and goal markings on the floor. This is supported by incredible lighting from Ali Hunter. During the dream-like sequences, the theatre is lit up like a stadium, where the characters envision scoring goals as professional footballers. It’s a literal snapshot of their aspirations, with the flashing lights, cameras, and encores from the crowd – it felt electric!

Photo by Helen Murray

While we may assume football is the focus, ‘Red Pitch’ covers various topics such as friendship, ambitions, and gentrification. Williams has created an authentic piece of theatre, highlighting a relevant topic in our society, that is rarely seen on stage. Inspired by Williams’ own experiences growing up, the story takes a personal approach as we look at the regeneration through the lens of the characters. Bilal, Omz and Joey have been friends for years and the chemistry between the cast makes this even more believable. All three are fantastic in their roles; they bounce off one another, especially during the comical moments (which were plenty!) and a brilliant dance sequence – it’s a joy to watch! Their portrayal as teenagers was spot on too, and I enjoyed the raw emotion they brought to the characters.

With movement choreographed by Gabrielle Nimo, the cast maintains high energy and an impressive display of stamina and football skills. Under Daniel Bailey’s direction, I enjoyed how the show struck the perfect balance between comedy and sincere moments. It was also interesting to hear the character’s varying views about the regeneration of Reedbury Estate. Omz is hopeful the change will be good for his elderly grandad’s access needs, while Joey appears frustrated that the local Morley’s has been replaced with a coffee shop. The show serves a reminder of the social and economic impact of London’s changing landscape.

Photo by Helen Murray

The storytelling is unique, engaging and a great representation of what it means to have a sanctuary and a shared space. The tapping in and out of the pitch was a genius move, highlighting the bond and what Red Pitch means to Omz, Bilal and Joey. 

The one-act play takes us on an emotional journey as we discover the boy’s family life and the pressures they face. The chemistry between the cast was so palpable that it felt tough watching the characters argue and fight. Kev McCurdy directs one of the most intense and realistic fight scenes I’ve ever seen, as the boys scrap on the pitch. In the quieter, emotional moments, particularly in the final scenes, we see just how much the boys mean to one another. It’s a beautiful, and authentic display of friendship.

You can tell a lot of heart has gone into making this production and I appreciate having stories like this in theatre! With a talented cast and creative team, Red Pitch is funny, thought-provoking, empathetic and refreshing story for the West End. I highly recommend going to see this show!

Red Pitch plays at @sohoplace until 4 May 2024!