Play On!

What does it take for a woman to make it in a man’s world?

Meet Vy, a talented songwriter looking to make it big in the 1940’s Harlem scene. She quickly learns from her uncle Jester that women will never be taken seriously in a man’s world. But, like many a strong hero, she refuses to accept defeat. Through her gender fluid cunning, she meets club owner The Duke and sensational nightclub singer Lady Liv and is swept up in a syncopated symphony of melodies, mistaken identities and romance. Who will come out on top?

Play On! is set in the jazz scene of New York’s Cotton Club. This stylish retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong (A Kind of People, Royal Court; All My Sons, Talawa and Royal Exchange) fuses the thrilling music of Duke Ellington with street dance choreography. Prepare to be wowed by this musical spectacular that will have your toes tapping and hands clapping along to the timeless soundtrack.

Co-producers: 

Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Salisbury Playhouse

Birmingham Hippodrome

Bristol Old Vic

Liverpool and Everyman Playhouse

Directed by
Michael Buffong

Musical Supervisor and Arranger
Liam Godwin

Choreographer
Kenrick H2O Sandy

Musical Director
Ashton Moore

Orchestrator & Arranger
Benjamin Kwasi Burrell

Production Designer
ULTZ

Lighting Designer
Johanna Town

Sound Designer
Tony Gayle

Associate Director
Rachael Nanyonjo

Associate Musical Director
Luke Bacchus

Associate Choreographer
Nicey Belgrave

Associate Costume Designer
Maybelle Laye

Voice Coach
Joel Trill

Conceived by

Sheldon Epps 

Book by

Cheryl L. West 

Music by

Duke Ellington