Margins to Mainstream: The Story of Black Theatre in Britain is a documentary film produced by the Octavia Foundation and Nu Century Arts, Birmingham with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
This ground-breaking film explores the history and heritage of Black theatre in Britain, examines the different interpretations of ‘Black British Theatre’ as a label and genre and catalogs the incredible contribution of black actors, producers, and playwrights to the UK theatre tradition. Featuring previously unseen footage of seminal plays, and fascinating interviews with theatre heavyweights, ‘Margins to Mainstream’ tells the story of a dynamic art.
Historians, playwrights, producers and actors that contributed and appear in the film include writer and playwright Courttia Newland, actor Javone Prince, actor, playwright and broadcaster Kwame Kwei-Armah and Pat Cumper, Director of the Talawa Arts Centre. The film was shot at locations including Theatre Royal East, London Southbank Centre, Royal Court Theatre, Old Vic and The Tabernacle.
From Ira Aldridge playing Othello in Covent Garden in the 1830s, to Bashy playing Markus the Sadist in a ‘rap opera’ in 2010; the richness of this story is in its diversity. The film looks at the forgotten treasures and the landmark performances in the huge canon of work that exists. The film is pioneering in its subject and approach, highlighting the battles and the triumphs of Black British Theatre, on its journey from the margins, into the mainstream.
THIS FILM SCREENING IS NOT TO BE MISSED!!
Following the screening there will be a Q&A and discussion.
This screening will take place on Saturday 20 December 2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 GMT at The Black Cultural Centre Islington, 16–18 Hornsey Road, N7 7BT. Nearest tube station is Holloway Road (Picadilly Line).
Food and drinks will be on sale.
Book your free ticket here https://tinyurl.com/yuwmvx9u
For this event we know that demand will be high but capacity is limited so entrance will be on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. Be on time to guarantee entry. We recommend a donation of £5.00 but welcome any amount so we can fund future events.
Please note that this event will be photographed for historical record and uploaded to the World Wide Web. By attending and participating in this event, you are giving your consent to be photographed and waiving any and all claims regarding the use of your image.