Musical Black Power Desk is set to come to the Lowry next month following a highly successful extended run in London.
The show explores the Black Power movement through the story of two sisters, Celia and Dina, who are divided by grief and radical politics while fighting for their community. It will feature at The Lowry theatre from 16-18 October.
Black Power Desk will be soundtracked by an original score and a live band blending RnB, Reggae, Soul and Ska.
Inspired by the real-life events of the Mangrove Nine and the British Black Power movement, Black Power Desk shines a lyrical light on a
rarely explored part of British history, providing audiences with a stirring portrait of the times alongside an epic and rich soundtrack of resistance.
Set at a time of political unrest and cultural transformation, inspired by the real-life events of the Mangrove Nine and the British Black Power movement, it shines a lyrical light on a rarely explored part of British history, providing audiences with a stirring portrait of the times alongside an epic and rich soundtrack of resistance.
The cast are supported by an incredible creative team, which includes:
Director Gbolahan Obisesan (The Fisherman, TRAFALGAR STUDIOS, Olivier-nominated Cutting It, ROYAL COURT).
Rapperturg and Lyricist Gerel Falconer (Black British Theatre Award Winner 2023); Ivor Novello Prize winner.
Platinum-selling songwriter Renell Shaw (Othello, GLOBE; ), who collaborated on the music and composition, development and dramaturgy by award-winning dramaturg Gail Babb and Alfred Fagon Awards 2025 Black Champion of Theatre.
Playwright Urielle Klein-Mekongo (Old Vic 12, Roundhouse Resident Artist, Bush Theatre) says: “This musical was borne from a desire to delve deeper and discover the stories from Black British history that have been left untold.
“My inquisitiveness led me to create a story in the context of the Black British civil rights movement and how the establishment tried to extinguish it.
“At its heart are two sisters, one who is an activist fighting for humanity and the other who wants to hold on to family and live their humanity without the struggle. Told through the lens of two women with a rich 70’s and 80’s musical soundscape, I hope it will touch many hearts and stirs the soul.”
Executive Creative Producer Ruth Hawkins of Co-Producers Brixton House says: “There must be an industry commitment to invest in stories that honour collective Black British history and the ambition for the show is for it to continue outside our walls, it’s a testament to the incredible creative team and co-producers at the Lowry and Birmingham Hippodrome that have driven it forwards.
“It’s a privilege to host this story on our stage and collectively we are working hard to see it go beyond us – nationwide.”
Co-producer Steph Weller of PlayWell Productions added: “Having worked with Urielle and Gerel on Black Power Desk since 2018, PlayWell is thrilled and proud that this electrifying show by an exceptionally talented team has finally reached its audience.
“Developing a new musical is a big commitment, and this premiere is testament to the dedication and support of a huge number of creatives, performers, venues and organisations who have championed the show and been part of this journey. The story is timeless, the music is phenomenal, the message as urgent as ever: we can’t wait for people to see it.”
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