A bold play collection representing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) experiences, from Black British perspectives, this anthology contains seven radical plays by Black writers that change the face of theatre in Britain. With an international reach connecting Africa, the Caribbean and the Diaspora, these plays address themes including same-sex love, sex, homophobia, apartheid, migration and space travel. The collection captures the historical scope and range of Black British LGBTIQ+ theatre, from the 1980s to 2021. Including a range of forms, from monologue to musicals, realist drama to club-performance, readers will journey through the development of Black Queer theatre in Britain. Through a helpful critical introduction, this book provides important socio-political and historical context, highlighting and illuminating key themes in the plays. Each play is preceded by an intergenerational 'in-conversation' piece between two Black British LGBTIQ+ artists and writers who will talk about their own work in relation to the play, looking back at the history and on into the future. Through these rare conversations with highly acclaimed award-winning practitioners, readers will also gain an insight into the theatre industry, funding, producing, venues as well as the politics of identity, the diversity of LGBTIQ+ lives and the richness of Black British cultures.

A bold play collection representing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) experiences, from Black British perspectives, this anthology contains seven radical plays by Black writers that change the face of theatre in Britain. With an international reach connecting Africa, the Caribbean and the Diaspora, these plays address themes including same-sex love, sex, homophobia, apartheid, migration and space travel. The collection captures the historical scope and range of Black British LGBTIQ+ theatre, from the 1980s to 2021. Including a range of forms, from monologue to musicals, realist drama to club-performance, readers will journey through the development of Black Queer theatre in Britain. Through a helpful critical introduction, this book provides important socio-political and historical context, highlighting and illuminating key themes in the plays. Each play is preceded by an intergenerational 'in-conversation' piece between two Black British LGBTIQ+ artists and writers who will talk about their own work in relation to the play, looking back at the history and on into the future. Through these rare conversations with highly acclaimed award-winning practitioners, readers will also gain an insight into the theatre industry, funding, producing, venues as well as the politics of identity, the diversity of LGBTIQ+ lives and the richness of Black British cultures.

"Gutted" is a fast-paced, powerful new play by Rikki Beadle-Blair. Set in South East London, this is a story about love, family and sordid secrets told through the eyes of four brothers. When the eldest brother comes out of rehab he embarks on a truth-telling mission and triggers an unstoppable family meltdown. In an explosive 24 hours, years of denial are uncovered and life will never be the same again.
A thought-provoking and complex drama, "Gutted" reveals Beadle-Blair at his best. This is daring, shocking and intensely emotional work infused with warmth and humor.
"Good characters, good lines, plenty of heart and an exciting willingness to address knotty questions of identity and sexuality." - "The Times"

A new book of motivational daily meditations from writer-director Rikki Beadle-Blair, author of 'What I Learned Today' encouraging readers to seize control of their lives and take responsibility for discovering, nurturing and displaying their inner joy to the world. Practical, tough-minded, uplifting.

'Each day teaches something new - if you're willing to learn. And this year has taught me it all basically comes down to the same thing: You create Heaven and Hell. Hell hides in making others responsible for your story. Heaven lies in full honest ownership of your life. Nobody else can make you happy, beautiful, desirable or valuable. You are all your problems and solutions. You have total power. And you can choose to use it wisely.' 'Don't ask to be lucky. Make everyone you meet feel lucky... That's success.' 365 life-lessons from the on-line diary of writer/director/performer Rikki Beadle-Blair. Honest. Clear. Loving. Powerful. Poetic. Practical. Inspiring. Rikki Beadle-Blair was born and raised in South London. He attended the Bermondsey Lampost Free School where he could study whatever he liked and so focused on the arts and entertainment. He makes films, theatre, music, dance and art. His production company Team Angelica has developed several plays and films, including 'Bashment', 'Fit', 'KickOff', 'Taken In' and the South London Passion Plays. Passionate about encouraging creativity and self-expression, Rikki has developed several courses under the 'In the Room' banner to facilitate creative career advancement.

In 1930s Berlin - an intriguing city of Jazz and overground cabaret overpowered by the rise of Hitler and World War II - the daughter of a Jewish family falls in love with their black shabbes goy (a term used for those who assist Jews on the Sabbath with tasks forbidden to Jews within Jewish law). Fast-forward to the tale of a mixed-race couple in seemingly unprejudiced modern-day Brooklyn, where the same family is coping with a number of calamities. Shalom Baby is a touching and very funny exploration of love, family and friendship.Shalom Baby opens at Theatre Royal Stratford East 20th October - 19th November 2011.Total Cast:14

A play for young people tackling homophobic bullying in schoolsFIT is a bold and groundbreaking new play for young people written and directed by acclaimed writer/director Rikki Beadle-Blair.It has been developed to address the growing problem of homophobic bullying in Britain's schools and was especially created for Key Stage 3 students (Year 7-9), specifically complementing various learning objectives from the National Curriculum, particularly PHSE and Citizenship.

Was it the music that made you do it? Did you chant lyrics while you beat his brains out? Did the preacher inspire you to despise people who fall in love without your permission? Where does the rage begin?" "He was white. And he was queer. And he was there. In our club. In our music. In our face. What's he expect? A kiss and a cuddle?" Bashment is an electrifying new play - hard-hitting, tender and painfully funny. About love, about hate - Bashment is a play for our times. Production at the Theatre Royal Stratford East from May 2005.

Fresh, insightful and delivered with razor-sharp wit, Familyman confirms what many of us know only too well - parenting is messy! Caesar Ramsay works hard for his family. But the news his son Nelson reveals, sends Caesar’s seemingly ordinary life rapidly spinning out of his control! Fast, furious and very funny, Familyman asks some vital questions for 21st-century parents, like: - How do you learn to be a dad when yours left before you were two? - How do you take on responsibility for a child before you're legally responsible for yourself? - How do you teach your children respect in an age of liberal parenting? - How do you raise happy, confident and successful children without throttling them before they reach eighteen?