Divisions within society have started to rise to the surface post 2016; tensions revolving around multiculturalism, community, social cohesion and social mobility, issues we all find ourselves addressing introspectively as well as discussing out in the open. Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti’s A Kind of People delves into the lives of various people within modern British society, exploring societal inequalities that impact on the lives of many. As we approach the new decade, we find ourselves confronting many truths, conversations that are vital to improving lives and pushing society forward. Ahead of the show’s opening at The Royal Court from 5th December, Gurpreet tells us more about the show.

Once every few years, a show will arrive on the London stage which genuinely warrants the description “must see”, a show which asks fundamental questions about the act of theatre itself; what it can be, and what it should be.

Courtesy of Marc Brenner.

Aside from the witty wordplay and somewhat engaging performance, Polaris does not quite hit home with its broad sweeping statements in its attempt to tackle far too many issues.

Hi all, something a little different to our usual content; if you have 5 minutes, could you please help to complete? All answers are greatly appreciated!

At the age of 21, Black Panther Activist Fred Hampton had become chairman of the Illinois chapter of the revolutionary movement and had founded the ‘Rainbow Coalition’, a multicultural political organisation aiming to create social change. His activism would draw the attention of many, this including the FBI. His ability to inspire, something that hadn’t gone unnoticed. In 1969, an armed raid would tragically end Hampton’s life, however his legacy lives on. Taking on Hampton’s powerful story, writer and director Jesse Briton alongside Paula B. Stanic present Messiah. 

Despite compelling performances, Hunger leaves a certain something missing. While there are moments of brilliance and a clear attention to detail, I want this show to leave a few more questions unanswered.

Courtesy of Alex Brenner

Making its premiere in the late 19th Century, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado had witnessed the 2nd longest run in the Savoy Theatre’s history up until that time period. At least 150 companies within Europe and America had produced the opera, showing a demand for the opera within the west. Based in Titipu, Japan, the idea was to satirise British Politics by ‘othering’; placing the narrative in a distant land – a concept we now recognise as highly offensive due to the creators’ lack of knowledge of Japanese culture. Cue the English National Opera’s take on the well known opera, a focus more so on the satirisation of politics and the upper classes.

On average, we speak roughly tens of thousands of words a day – a form of communication so embedded within our culture, it’s second nature and something we take for granted. Throughout time, words have formed, transformed, meanings have changed, they’ve taken on various meanings and have been taken from various cultures from around the world. Examining our relationship with words in his work presented at Certain Black’s Circus Circus Circus Festival, Jamal Harewood presents Word – a show aimed at word enthusiasts.

Written by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti and Directed by Michael Buffong, A Kind of People ‘is set amidst a contemporary British community, and asks how it’s possible to get on when the odds are stacked against you’. Starring Richie Campbell, Thomas Coombes, Claire-Louise Cordwell, Asif Khan, Petra Letang, Amy Morgan and Manjinder Virk, the production will premiere at the Royal Court Theatre from 5th December and runs until 18th January 2020.

A story which needs telling and compelling in its unique way, Five Years is almost the powerful monologue it could be. While it may allude to some prevalent themes, Five Years leaves a lot untouched where it may have benefit from some fleshing out.