A Strange Loop at the Barbican Theatre
by Michael R. Jackson
a co-production with Howard Panter for Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Barbara Whitman and Wessex Grove
in association with the Barbican
Booking and details
Barbican Theatre
Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS
The ground-breaking and critically acclaimed winner of every ‘Best Musical’ award on Broadway and the Pulitzer Prize comes to London for a one time only, limited summer season.
Meet Usher: a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer…
A Strange Loop exposes a young Black artist grappling with desires, identity and instincts he both loves and loathes. Hell-bent on breaking free of his own self-perception, Usher wrestles with the thoughts in his head, brought to life on stage by a hilarious, straight-shooting ensemble.
Hailed as ‘the most thrillingly playful and hilarious new musical to hit London in years’ (Evening Standard), don’t miss your chance to experience Michael R. Jackson’s ‘strikingly original and highly entertaining’ (Guardian) heart-felt masterwork – now playing at the Barbican until 9 September only.
Performed 17 June — 9 September 2023 in the Barbican Theatre.
Reviews
‘The most thrillingly playful and hilarious new musical to hit London in years. Spectacular.’
Evening Standard
‘Strikingly original and highly entertaining.’
Guardian
‘A dazzlingly clever, multi-layered musical.’
Financial Times
‘A tour de force. Slick, tuneful, irreverent and funny.’
Time Out
‘An experience you won’t forget.’
Independent
‘A revolutionary musical with heart.’
Whatsonstage
Suitability
Age restriction: Under 16s will not be admitted
This production contains explicit language, references to racism, sexual assault, homophobia and scenes of an adult nature. The show uses strobe, flashing lights and sudden loud noises.
Extensive content advice, including a detailed summary of the show (including spoilers), is available on the Barbican website.
Video
Cast
Rebecca Bernice Amissah
Understudy Thought 1
Rebecca Bernice Amissah
Danny Bailey
Thought 5
Danny Bailey
Danny Bailey is a multidisciplinary artist/filmmaker. He is an Associate Artist of Brixton House.
Kyle Birch
Usher cover
Kyle Birch
Momar Diagne
Understudy Thought 2, 3 & 4
Momar Diagne
Eddie Elliott
Thought 6
Eddie Elliott
For the National: Blues for an Alabama Sky.
Kyle Ramar Freeman
Usher
Kyle Ramar Freeman
For the National: A Strange Loop
Sharlene Hector
Thought 1
Sharlene Hector
For the National: A Strange Loop
Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea
Thought 2
Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea
Tendai Humphrey Sitima
Thought 4
Tendai Humphrey Sitima
Alongside his professional credits, Tendai is also a recording artist, multi-instrumentalist and composer.
Yeukayi Ushe
Thought 3
Yeukayi Ushe
Jean-Luke Worrell
Understudy Thought 5 & 6
Jean-Luke Worrell
Production team
Playwright, Composer, Lyricist
Michael R. Jackson
Michael R. Jackson
Choreographer
Raja Feather Kelly
Raja Feather Kelly
Director
Stephen Brackett
Stephen Brackett
Music Supervisor
Rona Siddiqui
Rona Siddiqui
Orchestrations
Charlie Rosen
Charlie Rosen
Scenic Design
Arnulfo Maldonado
Arnulfo Maldonado
Costume Design
Montana Levi Blanco
Montana Levi Blanco
Lighting Design
Jen Schriever
Jen Schriever
Sound Design
Drew Levy