WINNER OF EVERY BEST MUSICAL AWARD ON BROADWAY INCLUDING THE TONY AWARD AND THE PULITZER PRIZE

BARBICAN THEATRE, 17 JUNE – 9 SEPTEMBER 2023

Final casting and the full creative team is today announced for the London season of the smash-hit musical A Strange Loop, as first-look rehearsal images are released. A Strange Loop is transferring from Broadway to London’s Barbican Theatre for a one-time-only 12-week limited season from 17 June, with a producing team including the National Theatre, Jennifer Hudson and Alan Cumming among others.

The full cast is led by Kyle Ramar Freeman, making his West End debut reprising the role of Usher – which he played on Broadway – who grapples with desires, identity and instincts he both loves and loathes, all brought to life on stage by a hilarious, straight-talking ensemble of ‘Thoughts’.  

Thought 1 is Sharlene Hector best known for being a lead vocalist for British band Basement Jaxx, Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea (Women Beware The Devil, Spring Awakening, Hamlet) plays Thought 2, Yeukayi Ushe (The Lion King, Kinky Boots, The Book of Mormon) is Thought 3, Tendai Humphrey Sitima (The Play That Goes Wrong) plays Thought 4, with Danny Bailey (Jesus Christ Superstar, Girl From the North Country) as Thought 5 and Eddie Elliott (Blues for an Alabama Sky, The Lion King and Motown The Musical) playing Thought 6.

Written by Michael R. Jackson and directed by Stephen Brackett, A Strange Loop is choreographed by Raja Feather Kelly, with set designs by Arnulfo Maldonado, lighting by Jen Schriever, sound by Drew Levy, costumes by Jen Schriever and Rona Siddiqui is Music Supervisor.

Michael R. Jackson’s blisteringly funny masterwork exposes the heart and soul of Usher – a young, gay, Black writer who hates his day job, so writes a musical about a young, gay, Black writer who’s writing a musical about a young, gay, Black writer…a strange loop.

Jackson’s critically acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning A Strange Loop, was nominated for 11 Tony Awards and winner of every Best Musical award in New York. Only the 10th musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama – with the previous winner being Hamilton – the committee cited the show as a “metafictional musical that tracks the creative process of an artist transforming issues of identity, race, and sexuality that once pushed him to the margins of the cultural mainstream into a meditation on universal human fears and insecurities”.

The New York critics heaped plaudits on this sensational production: The New York Times said the show was a “dazzling ride” and “no measure of praise could be too much”. The Wall Street Journal described the show as “hilarious, intimate and personal” adding that “A Strange Loop is extraordinary in just about every way. It represents theater at its most daring and unexpected”. And Variety summed it up, hailing A Strange Loop as “the most furiously entertaining show on Broadway”.

Michael R. Jackson is a playwright, composer, and lyricist who is a rising star in the world of contemporary writing and quickly gaining recognition as one of the most innovative voices in American theatre. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Jackson moved to New York to attend NYU (New York University), where he began his career as a writer and performer. His writing is already drawing comparisons to other literary greats, and he is quickly becoming recognised as an inspiring and transformative writer in his own right. His next musical, White Girl in Danger, a co-production between the Vineyard and Second Stage, recently opened at New York’s Tony Kiser Theater.

Danny Bailey

You are a multidisciplinary artist and film-maker who has participated in very big productions. What made you say yes to this role and how would you describe the role you play?

It is important for me to feel like a production is aligned with my values and themes that I care about at this point of my creative practice. This play exposes experiences of black male queerness that diversifies the narrative of masculinity within black communities – it’s extremely important for me to be a part of this conversation, not only for peers.

What is the idea behind this play?

The idea behind a strange loop is for our audiences to understand the cycles that society puts you in and how these structures dictate their ideas around their decisions, relationships, faith and self-worth.

What can we expect from A Strange Loop?

You should expect a confronting look into black male queerness in today’s society and how the legacy of racism and colonisation negatively effects our lives today.

How does it feel to be part of a musical that has won so many Best Musical awards including a Tony award and a Pulitzer Pulitzer prize?

The conversation and the artistry that comes with the play is well deserved and it’s a privilege to be able to serve and bring my own artistry to this radical piece.

How are the issues of identity, race and sexuality addressed in A Strange Loop?

It’s unapologetically explored through Ushers ‘thoughts’ which is both uncensored and comical in its delivery.

 The US audience and critics have fallen in love with this show. Do you think the British audience will react similarly?

I think that the show is relatable to many people which is dependent on nationality. There are black queer folk in the US and the UK.

How is the chemistry between you and other actors and the atmosphere in the rehearsal room?

It’s a fun and supportive atmosphere – which is crucial for the content that we have to explore in the piece.

What do the you think the secret is to the show’s success?

Again, I think it’s because of how relatable the show is, this is one person’s ‘strange loop’ and we all have one that we have to navigate.

How has it been working on a show which as so many famous co-producers?

I’ve not met them yet, however it’s great to have such influential figures support such an important piece of theatre.

Eddie Elliott

How has your experience as an actor and screenwriter helped you and shaped you as an artist? What is the part you enjoy most?

I think that acting and screenwriting require you to be constantly observing people. You’re always watching, listening and interacting to hear peoples’ stories and what makes them tick. It’s essential when creating fully-rounded characters either as a writer or an actor that you’re truthful and honest. It also makes me look inwards… what makes me who I am? Why do I react in certain ways in certain situations etc? So, it’s definitely made me more reflective and in touch with my emotions.

What I most enjoy about being an actor is the freedom to play and explore… essentially that’s what acting is… getting paid to play – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is the idea behind this show?

For me A Strange Loop is essentially about a young, black, gay man coming to terms with, and fully embracing himself. It’s about how Usher, the protagonist, seeks to escape the vicious cycle of his self-loathing and ultimately choosing to step out of the loop and choose a different path.

What can we expect from A Strange Loop?

The play is like nothing else I’ve ever seen or performed in. You can expect to cry with laughter one minute, and then cry tears of deep anguish the very next. It’s an assault on the senses that takes you on a real rollercoaster. The show tackles some very serious, very pertinent issues that a lot of people can relate to – but it especially gives a voice to black, queer people. Some of the material can make you feel very uncomfortable at times and that’s wonderful. Theatre can be a visceral experience and this certainly delivers on that front.

How does it feel to be part of a musical that has won so many Best Musical awards including a Tony award and a Pulitzer Prize?

I am truly honoured to be part of this show. The moment I got the invitation to audition I was determined to be a part of it. Of course, the prestige of such a show is really something to revel in but the material itself was what really drew me to the project.

How are the issues of identity, race and sexuality addressed in A Strange Loop?

These issues are dealt with extremely head-on. There’s no hiding, no mincing of words. The language and the content is extremely affronting at times and the show doesn’t apologise for this one bit. All too often we skirt around issues to avoid upsetting the applecart but the complex nature of being ‘other’ in a white and Western-centric world is really highlighted in A Strange Loop. There’s no escape. And I think it helps queer, black people like myself to work through some of their own ‘stuff’, it gives a voice to some of the thoughts, feelings and experiences we might not be given to opportunity to talk about in our everyday lives. It also gives people who might not consider themselves ‘other’ to peer into the lives of minorities and get a taste of some of the challenges that befall them.

The US audience and critics have fallen in love with this show. Do you think the British audience will react similarly?

In honesty, it’s hard to say… the British theatre-goer has traditionally been middle to upper class and white and this show is everything but these things. Having said that this show is bold, audacious and explores some tricky territory. It evokes a strong response from the audience and that’s what art should do; I think. Art should have something to say, a unique perspective to share and that’s what audiences will engage with, no doubt. There is definitely a lot of excitement and buzz already surrounding the show and there’s nothing worse than FOMO so I have a sneaky suspicion British audiences will flock to see this!

How is the chemistry between you and other actors and the atmosphere in the rehearsal room?

The chemistry is truly ELECTRIC! There is so much heart in the room and that stems from the creators/creatives behind the show and just washes over all of us in the room. It’s like group therapy at times. Ultimately, the rehearsal room feels like a very safe space and we operate like one big, boisterous, rambunctious family. Best. Job. Ever.

What do the you think the secret is to the show’s success?

It’s unapologetic. It says what needs to be said. At the same time, it has great music, staging and choreography.

How has it been working on a show which as so many famous co-producers?

I mean, I’m still waiting for J-Hud and Billy Porter to ring!!! But on a serious note, the famous producers indicate just how special and necessary this show is. The fact they’re backing it speaks volumes to me.

Tendai Humphrey Sitima

Did you feel that you would get the role during the casting process? How demanding is this role for multi-disciplinary artist and composer like you?

I felt like I had to get this role. I fell in love the show and wanted to be involved.

The show is challenging, and that is a great joy. The text is rich and incredibly specific which is incredibly fun as it has incredible depth for exploration and discovery. As a musician, the show is a treat, Michael’s harmonic choices are satisfying – thoroughly thought through and at times, wonderfully surprising.

What is the idea behind this show?

The show feels incredibly personal; to me it feels like a show about someone who constantly interrogates who they are and their place in the world, someone who deals with the lifelong baggage of being a fat, queer, black artist raised in a religious family. It’s about self, identity, sex, community, religion, family, blackness, and forgiveness

What can we expect from A Strange Loop?

An honest journey

How does it feel to be part of a musical that has won so many Best Musical awards including a Tony award and a Pulitzer Pulitzer prize?

Michael R Jackson’s work speaks for itself. It’s complete, it’s beautiful and it’s important. The awards are cool, and it’s great to see that this type of work is recognised by the award community, but it’s the piece that excites me.

How are the issues of identity, race and sexuality addressed in A Strange Loop?

Personally, honestly and without apology.

The US audience and critics have fallen in love with this show. Do you think the British audience will react similarly?

Absolutely!

How is the chemistry between you and other actors and the atmosphere in the rehearsal room?

The cast are incredibly supportive, funny, big and bold, we’re already big loud chaotic family. It’s a total vibe.

What do the you think the secret is to the show’s success?

A lot of people put a lot of time trust and attention into every moment of the show.

How has it been working on a show which as so many famous co-producers?

It’s cool to see people with a platform supporting important and beautiful work. Power to them!

Sharlene Hector

You are known as a leading vocalist in Basement Jaxx with a big experience in singing. How much more demanding is this show compared to others?

Compared to other theatre shows I’ve done this is very different because it’s a show written about a Black character and his family, by a Black person. So, culturally I identify with the characters played by the ‘Thoughts’ and even Usher himself, because I’ve been on the receiving end of what he’s going through, but for different reasons.

Compared to a singing show, theatre in general is very different because vocals and roles are quite defined and there isn’t much room for change. When you’re singing on stage though, there’s so much freedom. If you forget the words you just make them up!

What is the idea behind this show?

The idea behind the show is that Usher is a gay, black man writing a show about a gay, black man writing a show, about a gay, black man writing a show. He is surrounded by his ‘Thoughts’ who both challenge and support him, but also taunt him. Michael R. Jackson (the show’s writer) said that he wants it to be either a mirror or a window for the audience. You might see yourself or someone you know. My hope is that we can tell this story to the best of our ability and give you a show you’ll never forget.

What can we expect from A Strange Loop?

When you come to see A Strange Loop you can expect to have fun, get insight into the world of a young gay, black man and what the world looks like through his eyes. You won’t feel comfortable the whole time but you will have fun and you will laugh!

How does it feel to be part of a musical that has won so many Best Musical awards including a Tony award and a Pulitzer Pulitzer prize?

I’m truly honoured to be part of this piece. All the awards are well deserved and all of us are making history by being the first to play these iconic roles in the UK!

How are the issues of identity, race and sexuality addressed in A Strange Loop?

These issues are addressed in quite unusual ways. Mostly through comedy but also through quite hard hitting scenarios.

The US audience and critics have fallen in love with this show. Do you think the British audience will react similarly?

I really hope so! British people are quite reserved and often need ‘permission’ to express that they’re having a good time. I hope they’ll let themselves go a bit and learn something new while enjoying the show!

How is the chemistry between you and other actors and the atmosphere in the rehearsal room?

I love my cast mates and feel super lucky to be working with them all.

What do the you think the secret is to the show’s success?

I won’t know that until we’ve performed it a few times (previews start on 17 June) but I think people want to see and hear the truth. This piece is full of truth, albeit from a very individual perspective.

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Trailer: A STRANGE LOOP is coming to London! – YouTube

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