First-look production photos have been released for Talawa Theatre’s production of Play On!
Play On! is a vibrant musical reimagining of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, set against the backdrop of 1940s New York’s jazz scene, with an unforgettable score by Duke Ellington.
Part of Talawa’s 2024 Black Joy season, these striking production shots capture the spirit of the era, showcasing toe-tapping glamour and West End talent — all in line with Talawa’s mission to champion Black voices.
The production is running at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry until 5 October 2025, before embarking on a UK tour, including a London run at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 28 January to 22 February 2025.
Production photos: Play On! live on stage
Photos by Ellie Kurttz
Photos: See Inside the Rehearsal Room
The Cast – Who Are They?
The show stars Tsemaye Bob-Egbe (SIX The Musical, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical) as Viola, Kori Hedgemon (Lovin’ Vegas, Hairspray) as Lady Liv, Earl Gregory (TINA, Kinky Boots) as The Duke, Llewellyn Jamal (Get Up, Stand Up!) as Jester, Cameron Bernard Jones (Ain’t Too Proud) as Rev, Lifford Shillingford (Britain’s Got Talent, Tarantino Live) as Sweets, Tanya Edwards (Sister Act The Musical) as Miss Mary, and Gleanne Purcell-Brown (Living, Spamalot) as Ceecee.
The ensemble includes Natalia Brown (Sister Act The Musical); Freya Karlettis (Sleeping Beauty); Amber Cayasso (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe); Jarnéia Richard-Noel (SIX); Andre Coulson (Five Guys Named Moe); Alex Okoampa (TINA); Spin (Sinatra); and Dylan Blake-Colbet in his stage debut.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
The show is conceived by Sheldon Epps, with a book by Cheryl L. West, and is directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong (A Kind of People, Royal Court; Guys and Dolls, Talawa).
The creative team also includes choreography by Kenrick Sandy, and musical supervision by Liam Godwin.
The show is produced by Talawa Theatre Company and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry in partnership with J Clare Productions and Chuchu Nwagu Productions, with co-producers Birmingham Hippodrome; Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres; Lyric Hammersmith Theatre; and Wiltshire Creative, Salisbury.
How to Get Tickets
Play On! is playing at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London from 28 January to 22 February 2025.
Book tickets to PLAY ON! at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre London
Where is it Playing? Play On! Tour Dates
The show opens at the Belgrade Theatre on 23 September 2024, followed by dates in Liverpool, Salisbury, Birmingham, Bristol and London. See below for tour schedule.
Belgrade Theatre Coventry (23 September – 5 October 2024), Liverpool Everyman (15 – 19 October 2024), Salisbury Playhouse (21 October – 2 November 2024), Birmingham Hippodrome (4 – 9 November 2024), Bristol Old Vic (16 – 25 January 2025), Lyric Hammersmith Theatre (28 January – 22 February 2025).
Updated: Article first published on 6 September 2024 with rehearsal photos of Play On! UK tour. Updated 25 September 2025 (11.05 GMT) to include production photos of Play On!.
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