Conversations, dispatches and ideas from the Bush Theatre.

Charles Holloway OBE: From West London to the West End

Thu 31 Oct 2024 | Uncategorized

Benedict Lombe’s play Shifters transferring from the Bush Theatre to the West End was a milestone moment: for the artists involved, the audiences they engaged, and the future of British theatre it will inspire. It offers a glimpse of what commercial theatre in this country could be. And as Bush audience members and supporters know,…

Shifting the Narrative: Radical Love Commissions

Wed 28 Aug 2024 | Our Plays, Playwriting

A new initiative, inviting eight Global Majority artists to write short-form responses to the West End production of Benedict Lombe’s hit play Shifters, which is at the Duke of York’s Theatre, London, until 12 October. We’re delighted to be launching this new opportunity, alongside ATG Entertainment West End Creative Learning and the Producers of Shifters.…

Call out: tell us what you thought of Shifters

Wed 03 Jul 2024 | Our Plays

Did you see Shifters at the Bush? We need you! To celebrate the West End transfer of Benedict Lombe’s hit play, we’re asking audiences to help us spread the word. We’d love you to send in a short video of your thoughts, experiences and takeaway’s from the world premiere run at the Bush Theatre earlier…

Writer of My Father’s Fable | Meet Faith Omole

Tue 11 Jun 2024 | Our People, Our Plays

Next up in our main house is the world-premiere of My Father’s Fable, the debut play from Olivier Award nominee, Faith Omole.

Here is everything you need to know about the incredibly talented writer and performer behind the production.

She is already an award-winning playwright

Even though My Father’s Fable is her debut production, her play Kaleidoscope recently won the prestigious Alfred Fagon Award, the leading theatre prize for Black playwrights.

She is no stranger to theatre

“Faith Omole is outstanding and a future star to be looked out for” – The Guardian

Faith is an acclaimed stage actress – she was even nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Standing at the Sky’s Edge by Richard Hawley and Chris Bush at Sheffield Crucible and then the National Theatre.

Watch Faith perform ‘Coles Corner’ from Standing at the Sky’s Edge | National Theatre

She also shines on the small-screen

Faith is well-known for her leading role in multi-award-winning Channel 4 comedy We Are Lady Parts, which also stars fellow Bush alumni, Anjana Vasan (An Adventure). Season Two premiered in last month, and is available to watch now on Channel 4.

Watch the trailer for We Are Lady Parts | Channel 4

**The inspiration for My Father’s Fable struck during lockdown**

“It was 2020. I had just done my 5th puzzle and I thought – well this isn’t going to fix the world or help anyone in any way. I had lots of emotions. I haven’t seen my family in a long time – I’m not talking to anyone, I would like to write a play about family and human connection and love.” – Faith describing the writing process.

**While the cast of My Father’s Fable promises to introduce some new faces to the Bush, one of the cast may be familiar…**

The production sees the return of multi BAFTA Award winner Rakie Ayola to the Bush, who last appeared on our main stage in a production of Caryl Phillips’ play Strange Fruit in 2019.
You may recognise Rakie from TV shows including Noughts + Crosses, Black Mirror and The Pact, as well as an acclaimed run in the BBC’s Casualty.

Opening this month, My Father’s Fable is a gripping story of grief, belonging, and a family on the edge kicks off our new season of work.

Tickets start from £15 | Click here to find out more

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