This production is currently on priority sale to Friends and Patrons of Birmingham Hippodrome. Become a Friend today! Tickets will go on sale as follows:
Mon 7 Apr, 11am – General onsale
An Original Musical, World Premiere
1970s London. The streets awash with a fever of political unrest, the rhythm of the sound system culture is birthing a new era of soulful lover’s rock, fusing RnB and reggae, amidst the covert Black Power Desk operations of New Scotland Yard. As tensions rise, the community rallies together to stand against injustices and racial divides.
“The day you were born Black was the day politics was made your thing.”
BLACK POWER DESK is a powerful reimagining and exploration of what it means to love and fight for freedom. In an often male-dominated world, two sisters, Celia and Dina – both rooted in self-empowerment and fiercely committed to their community, both loyal and motivated by love – are divided by grief and radical politics. A moving story of sisters who need to reconnect for the sake of their community. But will the fight for their community be worth the damage to their sisterhood? Inspired by the historic Mangrove Nine and other influential activists and brought to life by an original score performed by a live three-piece band, BLACK POWER DESK is a musical soundtrack charting a fiercely emotive and politically charged era of often overlooked British history for today’s generation. At a time of the rise of British Black Panthers, the onset of the Immigration Act 1971, the emergence of Black business ownership and the hails of a generation living through the racial tensions of Great Britain.
“Don’t let it be for nothing so breathe and don’t ask permission.”
BLACK POWER DESK transports you back to the 1970s, premiering at Brixton House, London this Autumn 2025. Written by the critically acclaimed team of Urielle Klein-Mekongo (Roundhouse, The Bush, The Old Vic), Gerel Falconer (TONES, HighRise, Stage Debut nominee) and Renell Shaw (Ivor Novello Award, Rudimental), directed by Gbolahan Obisesan (Young Vic, The Bush, Royal Court). Other creatives include Gail Babb, Natalie Pryce, Tony Gayle, and Jessica Cabassa.
Book, Lyrics and Composition by Urielle Klein-Mekongo
Lyrics and Rapperturgy by Gerel Falconer
Music and Composition by Renell Shaw
Directed by Gbolahan Obisesan
Dramaturgy by Gail Babb
BLACK POWER DESK is generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, Axis and L&Q.
Development supported by Birmingham Hippodrome, Brixton House, China Plate, Genesis Foundation, Hackney Empire, Mercury Musical Developments, Musical Theatre Network, Old Vic 12, PlayWell Productions, Stage One Bursary Scheme for New Producers, 1927, and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Price
Tickets from £15
Prices and discounts subject to changeAge guidance
Recommended age 12+
Where?
Patrick Studio
CONCESSIONS
We offer a range of discounts and concessions to enable everyone to enjoy an affordable visit to Birmingham Hippodrome.
FRIENDS
£10 off on Tue 22 Apr, Price Bands A – C (limited availability)
Thereafter £5 off Price Bands A – B and £6 off C – D on Mon – Thu performances (limited availability).
CONCESSIONS FOR UNDER 18s, 65+, FULL-TIME STUDENTS & CLAIMANTS
£3 off Price Band B, £4 off C, Mon – Thu performances (limited availability).
GROUPS
Price band B – C, Mon– Thu perfs
10+ tickets – Save £6 per ticket
20+ tickets – Save £7 per ticket
35+ tickets – Save £8 per ticket plus 1 FREE ticket
Call our dedicated Group Sales Team on 0121 689 3010 for more information and to book now!
CLICK HERE for further information on Group Bookings
EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS (Under 18)
Parties of 10 or more pay £22 per ticket plus 1 FREE ticket for teacher/supervising adult for every 10 booked (2 free tickets for SEN bookings), available on Mon-Thu performances, price bands C-D. Free ice lolly per ticket (excl. free adult places)
CLICK HERE for further information on School Bookings
For school bookings, please call Group Sales on 0121 689 3010 for more information and to book now!
CONCESSIONS FOR PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES
£5 off tickets to all performances
2 for 1 tickets where carer or companion required to all performances
CLICK HERE for more information on our Access Performances
STUDENT, PASSPORT TO LEISURE AND POSTCODE STANDBY
24 hours prior to a performance, best available seats for the lowest price, maximum 2 per booker, subject to availability
CLICK HERE for further information on our Standby Rate and our On the Day Postcode Scheme for Birmingham residents living in B6, B9, B10, B11 and B21
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Discounts and Concessions are offered subject to availability at the discretion of the Information and Sales Manager. Top three price bands only, unless otherwise stated. Restrictions may apply. Only one discount per ticket may apply, unless otherwise stated. Offers are non retrospective and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid ID must be presented where applicable. Additional discounts may be offered from time to time.
We strive to provide access for all
For dates of audio-described, captioned, British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted or relaxed performances, please see below. These vary from show to show.
If you would like to book for any accessible performance, please make sure you are signed up to our access registration scheme here. Once registered, you will be able to book seats online, see only relevant seats and information based on your needs – plus choose any relevant discounts. If you would prefer not to book online, you can speak to our friendly access advisors on 0121 689 1060.
- BSL Interpreted: TBC
- Audio Described: TBC
What is a relaxed performance?
A Relaxed Performance is an adjusted version of the show where sensory aspects such as bright lights and loud noises are reduced, delivered in an environment ‘where it is acceptable to move around, make noise, and behave in non-normative ways’. These performances are an important means for disabled people and people with sensory sensitivities, including but not exclusive to people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and people with other neurodivergent conditions, to experience the arts in an inclusive environment
Further information
Information about our access registration scheme here
About our accessible performances here
About our accessible facilities here
About our relaxed performances here
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