Following its annual tradition celebrating Black History Month, the venue brings back one of its signature seasons — championing new writers, performers, and shows that wouldn’t have the same voice in the current theatrical landscape. Guillermo Nazara chats with the event’s organiser to learn more about what’s coming in this latest edition — and how the festival is expanding for the first time in its seven-year legacy.
How does it feel to bring back this festival for its seventh consecutive year?
It feels so good. Especially this year, as we’ve expanded into Canada Water Theatre. We opened the season with a powerful double bill written, performed and produced by our own alumni, alongside a debut play by a current Mountview student. These young artists spoke from the heart, capturing the pulse of what young Black British people are feeling and wanting to say right now. That’s why this season exists, and, 7 years on, I’m so proud of the platform that Theatre Peckham is providing.
How did the idea for this season come about in the first place?
Young people are at the heart of everything we do at Theatre Peckham. There was a real gap in the industry when it came to young Black voices being truthfully represented and we wanted to give those voices a stage. We also wanted to honour Black History Month by looking at its legacy through the eyes of young people, acknowledging the rich diverse history of Black people in the UK and centring the voices who are shaping what comes next. Nina Simone’s song Young, Gifted and Black came to mind, and I remember thinking, that’s it, that’s the energy we need to encourage young Black creatives to embrace their worth, celebrate their talent, and recognise their potential.
One of the goals of this year’s edition is the celebration of cultural identity. How will that be reflected in the repertoire?
The plays in the programme all reflect the rich diversity of Black British life today. These stories are a mix of intimate, personal journeys and bold, political statements, all told with heart and truth. Cultural celebration really comes alive with SLACFest, which closes the season. This vibrant showcase of Sierra Leonean arts and culture will honour the heritage of one of Southwark’s biggest communities. Their 2025 theme, Roots & Renaissance, invites audiences to look at history and celebrate how culture grows. With music, poetry, talks, food, comedy, and art, SLACFest will be a joyful reminder of the strength found in embracing identity in all its forms.
Another main subject is empowering future generations through the arts. How will that be reflected in the repertoire?
As we approach our 40th anniversary next year, this focus feels even more important. We are building on decades of nurturing talent, making sure that the next generation has the space and platform to flourish. The work you’ll see in this season stands as a statement of possibilities for the future. Right now, the UK is facing deep cultural unrest and ongoing conversations around identity, belonging and power. Many young people are stepping forward, using theatre as a space to express their truths and challenge long-held narratives. This season amplifies those voices showing how theatre becomes a powerful tool for activism, healing, and change.
This is also the first time that the festival expands to a second venue. What can you tell us about this new chapter in the festival’s history?
This expansion feels like a natural progression. It has meant that we’ve been able to reach even more of our Southwark community and shine a brighter light on the brilliant talent coming out of South London. It’s opened up opportunities for more creatives to take the stage and for more audiences to connect with the stories being told. This is a significant moment in the journey of Young, Gifted and Black, and it reflects our continued commitment to growing with purpose and making space where it’s needed most.
Are there any plans of expanding this initiative even further?
The energy around Young, Gifted and Black keeps growing and we’re always open to where that might lead. While we’re rooted in community, the stories speak far beyond South London and we want to ensure they get the recognition and platform they deserve. There’s so much potential ahead and we’re focused on growing in ways that stay true to the heart of what we do.
As the CEO/Artistic Director, what challenges have you found both across the festival’s history and this edition in particular?
An ongoing challenge is creating opportunities for the brilliant work we showcase to extend beyond the confines of our festival season. Time and again, we see incredible stories and voices emerge, work that is powerful and deeply resonant, but then struggles to find a life beyond our season. It’s disheartening because these stories have so much to say to wider audiences, yet the opportunities to take them further are limited. This gap not only affects the artists’ growth and visibility but also restricts the cultural conversations these works can inspire on a broader scale. Finding ways to bridge that divide is crucial, so that the impact of this creative talent can ripple out, shape narratives beyond our walls and influence the wider industry in meaningful ways.
Are there any highlights in this year’s programming you would like to flag?
I’m going to highlight Made You Look by Ty’rone Haughton. Spoken word is raw and immediate, so we’re proud to put it front and centre as a vital form of theatre. This piece explores masculinity, identity, vulnerability and survival through poetry, movement, and sound. It pushes the boundaries of what theatre can be. Also over at Canada Water Theatre THE INSTITUTION OF FAILED ARTISTS by Chanel McKenzie tells the story of a rapper/musician who, after years of rejection, is abducted into an institution that offers failing artists one last shot at success. It urgently asks what it really takes to make it in an industry that can be unforgiving.
Why come see this year’s offer of Young, Gifted and Black?
Because this is a season that’s alive with truth, culture and soul. If you want to feel something real, something that speaks to the times we’re living in, then this year’s YGB is where you need to be.
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The 2025 edition of Young, Gifted and Black runs until 2 November. Tickets and shows information are available on the following link.