Martha Watson Allpress’ Lady Dealer made its debut last year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and to critical acclaim. A year on, the hit show returns to the Bush Theatre for a month long run, again to critical acclaim. The show’s lead Charly, a drug dealer dealing with the after affects of heartbreak. Performer Alexa Davies, who reprises the role tells us more about the role, what she’s learned from taking part in the production and what audiences can expect!
Hi Alexa, you’ll be starring in Martha Watson Allpress’ Edinburgh hit show Lady Dealer showing from the 15th May until 15th June at the Bush Theatre. How are you feeling ahead of the show?
I’m feeling very excited. I’m also feeling very lucky to have performed the show before, in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Having this extra time to invite people into Charly’s world in such a small, intimate setting is something I’m really looking forward to.
Since the troupe’s inception 30 years ago, YAMATO Drummers have stunned the world with their visually striking Taiko drum adorned set ups and heart thumping rhythms, the company’s originator Masa Ogawa transporting the ancient Japanese performance form to the masses. The troupe’s next show stopping performance – The Wings of the Phoenix set to take to the Peacock Theatre stage from Tuesday 4th until Saturday 22nd June. Ahead of opening night, Masa tells us more about the show’s premise, why he’s excited to bring the show to London – one of the world’s greatest hubs for performance and entertainment and why you should attend the show!
Making its debut in 2021, crime-drama series BMF (Black Mafia Family) has proven its prowess with a steadily increasing loyal fanbase, its latest season, season 3 witnessing the highest multi-platform ratings thus far. The success of season 3, of course manifesting into a season 4, with the announcement of a renewal. The tale of two brothers – Demetrius Edward “Big Meech” Flenory (played by real-life son Demetrius Flenory Jr.) and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory (played by Da’Vinchi) amassing an elaborate drug empire in 80s America one that has witnessed the duo repetitively referenced musically as a marker of their scope globally, currently dramatised weekly on STARZ and various platforms. Starring as Big Meech’s love interest ‘Angel’, rising star Kadianne Whyte highlights the tale of a struggling dancer brought up in harrowing circumstances – having lost her family at a young age in a car crash, she’s had to fend for herself, brought up in foster care, she strives for a happier future – Big Meech someone who could give her a chance at that. Ahead of the season 3 finale on Friday 3rd May, Kadianne tells us more about approaching playing Angel, training to become a nurse before deciding to pursue her dream of becoming a performer and what she’s learned from working on the show.
Returning for another year this bank holiday weekend, the UK’s biggest celebration of hip hop culture returns with a fresh line up of inventive, creative and innovative dance works. On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May, dance collectives from across the globe will continue on with the Breakin’ Convention tradition of igniting imaginations whilst pushing the culture forward. Talented South London originated collective Gully South Block forms part of Saturday’s roster at Sadler’s Wells, this performance marking their second appearance at the festival – a testament to their skillset and determination, especially in their pursuit to highlight the powerful dance style of krump. Ahead of their performance, Chaquille tells us more about the concepts explored within their dance work, utilising the collectives skillsets to choreograph works and what the audience can expect!
Little known to many, Colombian born Griselda Blanco amassed a staggering drug empire, in 1970s and 80s Miami – unsuspecting to many around her, and with this, enduring a life of brutality and ambition that would inevitably result in an ascent to power. Supported by her right hand man – Rivi Ayala, Griselda would gain the reputation as the ‘Godmother of the Underworld’. Currently a hit Netflix drama available to stream, her story is dramatised by leading Hollywood star Sofia Vergara, alongside multi-award winning actor Martín Rodriguez who takes on the role of Rivi. Enjoying critical acclaim, Martin tells us more about approaching playing the role, working with the cast and crew and what viewers who haven’t yet watched the show can expect.
In a matter of days, the BAFTA Awards will descend on one of the UK’s most prestigious arts venues – the Royal Albert Hall. The annual celebration an acknowledgment of Britain’s finest filmmakers and their undeniable storytelling skillset at both a televisual and filmic level. With a total of 25 categories in all, the nation’s emerging, as well as high profile stars will don the red carpet in anticipation of the evening’s results, and overall, in appreciation of art and how art is expressed. Multi-award winning writer and director Yasmin Afifi is one of this year’s finalists, having been acknowledged for her profound watch Jellyfish and Lobster – a tale of grief told from the eyes of two terminally ill patients faced with this existential reality. Ahead of the ceremony on Sunday 18th February, Yasmin tells us more about exploring this heartfelt narrative further, working alongside a devoted creative team to realise the film and what she’d like for viewers to take away from the film.
