No longer booking
  • Venue Lyric Hammersmith, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 29 June 2024
  • Running time 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
  • Age guidelines 14+

Step into the world of passion, conflict, and resilience with Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White at the Lyric Hammersmith London.

Alice Childress’ groundbreaking drama takes you on a riveting journey to 1918 South Carolina, where love knows no boundaries but society’s constraints threaten to tear it apart.

Directed by Monique Touko, renowned for her smash-hit success with School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play, this production is an unforgettable theatrical experience, starring Deborah Ayorinde (Riches, Harriet) as Julia and David Walmsley (Slow Horses, Blood Wedding) as Herman.

Explore the complexities of race, class, and love in a gripping narrative that challenges unjust laws and celebrates the enduring human spirit. Book your tickets now for an evening of powerful storytelling and thought-provoking drama.

Wedding Band runs from 31 May 2024 until 29 June 2024 Lyric Hammersmith in London.

Set in the deep south of the USA in 1918 when interracial marriage was illegal, Julia, a black seamstress, and Herman, a white baker, are defying all odds with their secret love. They face vicious judgement not just by society but also their closest friends and family. As they finally begin to believe their dreams for a future together are possible, Herman becomes a victim of the Spanish flu. Determined to save him, Julia is faced with decisions that will change her life.

Sign-up for booking alerts, offers & news about Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White and other shows:

Videos & Photos


Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details


Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White?

Starring Geraldine Alexander (Bridgerton, Sea Creatures) as Thelma, Deborah Ayorinde (Riches, Harriet) as Julia, Lachele Carl (A Streetcar Named Desire, The Trick) as Fanny, Poppy Gilbert (Perfect Addiction, The Catch) as Annabelle, Diveen Henry (Hang, I Think We Are Alone) as Lula, Patrick Martins (Small Town Big Story, Falling For the Life of Alex Whelan) as Nelson, Bethan Mary-James (Meetings, Trouble in Butetown) as Mattie, David Walmsley (Slow Horses, Blood Wedding) as Herman and Owen Whitelaw (Get Millie Black, My Son) as Bell Man.

Children’s roles are shared by Lylianna Eugene (Secret Invasion) as Teeta, Poppy Graham (Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite) as Princess, Saskia Holness (Champion) as Teeta, and Wren Stembridge (Leonora In The Morning Light) as Princess.

Who are the creative team of Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White?

Written by Alice Childress. Directed by Monique Touko.

Set & Costume Design by Paul Wills, Wigs, Hair & Make-Up Design by Cynthia De La Rosa, Lighting Design by Matt Haskins, Sound Design by Elena Peña, Music by Shiloh Coke, Choreography & Movement by Aline David, Wigs, Hair & Make-Up Associate Design by Keisha Paris-Banya, Casting by Sophie Parrott CDG, and Dialect & Voice Coaching by Joel Trill.


Important Notes

Content warning: This play is set in a particular time and place in history when ‘anti-miscegenation laws’ which banned inter-racial marriage were in place. Racist language and actions are depicted and described throughout the play, as well as instances of anti-semitic language. 

Access Performances: Audio Described Performance: Monday 17 June, 7.30pm; Chilled Environment Performance: Wednesday 19 June, 2.30pm; BSL Performance: Friday 21 June, 7.30pm; Open Captioned Performance: Tuesday 25 June, 7.30pm

Venue Information

Lyric Hammersmith , King Street, London, W6 0QL

Nearest Tube or Train: Hammersmith (District, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City)

Nearest Buses: 27, 110, 190, 218, 267, 306, H91, N9, N11, N266

Directions

Google Apple

Critics' reviews of Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White

★★★★ "Riveting... Monique Touko’s beautifully acted production" - Financial Times

★★★★ "Remarkable... Exhilarating" - Evening Standard

★★★★ "Radiates warmth and humour" - The Guardian

★★★★ "A superb and scene-stealing Deborah Ayorinde" - TimeOut


Frequently Asked Questions

Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White is playing at the Lyric Hammersmith in London
The running time of Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White is 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
The age recommendations for Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White are: 14+
Yes, Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Saturday
Yes. Alice Childress' Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White is a pioneering play that explores race and the devastating impact of unjust laws on ordinary human lives.
No, sorry, Wedding Band: A Love Hate Story in Black and White has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.