WANTED comes to The Bay Theatre for Black History Month

Gazebo Theatre are set to captivate audiences at The Bay Theatre at Weymouth College, as part of their nationwide tour of ‘WANTED’.

This innovative, unique and truly engaging play brings to the stage the remarkable stories of five ordinary women who lived extraordinary lives.

Marking Black History Month, be captivated by the historical stories of four women ‘WANTED’ at various times in history for their convictions to stand up against authority and take bold, deadly action to fight for what is right.

This dazzling performance will feature powerful drama and storytelling, original music, soundscapes, humour, raw honesty and heart, delivered in the inimitable style that defines Gazebo Theatre, known for its unwavering commitment to sharing both history and ‘herstory’, celebrating diversity and shedding light on powerful and impactful, lesser-known narratives and stories.

‘WANTED’ features an all-female cast passionately delving into the riveting stories of five extraordinary, yet often overlooked, women: Irena Sendler, Phoolan Devi, Dr James Barry and the UK’s Windrush child, Black Panther Olive Morris.

The ‘WANTED’ women’s stories are interwoven through Leonie Lawrence, aka Poetic Justice, and brought to life through her imagination.

Leonie suffers from isolation, loneliness and social anxiety and manages her depression through a brilliant display of lyrical brilliance and spoken word.

The cast includes Olivier award nominee Alexia Mcintosh, playing Black Panther Olive Morris, well known for her four-year stint on West End’s Broadway, playing and originating the role of Anne of Cleaves in the worldwide smash hit musical ‘SIX’.

London-based actor and performance maker Rukmini Sircar joins Gazebo Theatre as Phoolan Devi. Her recent credits include ’The Dancing Elephant’, an interactive, children’s theatre piece that toured the north of UK.

Playing Dr James Barry is Dawn Butler, who has a longstanding career in theatre and TV and currently plays the semi-regular role of PC Pat Dyson in BBC series ‘Doctors’ and will feature in the second series of ‘DI Ray’ and soon-to-be-released film ‘Typist, Artist, Pirate, King’.

Reprising the role of Irena Sendler is Gazebo artistic director Pamela Cole-Hudson. Pamela has worked for Gazebo for the past 22 years, writing, directing and producing a wide range of professional touring plays, community arts projects and Theatre in Education programmes, as well as short films.

April Nerissa Hudson reprises her role as Leoni Lawrence, aka Poetic Justice. April has made many appearances on stage and in film, including previous roles with Gazebo Theatre.

Pamela Cole-Hudson, artistic director of Gazebo Theatre and actor, expressed her pride in the production, commenting: “Gazebo Theatre is thrilled to have created and embarked on this pivotal journey, which promises to be both educational and entertaining, while also deeply thought- provoking.

“’WANTED’ revolves around women and their stories but is an important play that really is for everybody.”

Co-writer and director, Tonia Daley-Campbell, added: “We aimed to unravel the tales of women who were ‘WANTED,’ pursued by authorities, and often incarcerated for acting upon their convictions. Whether you are an avid historian, a lover of storytelling, or simply interested in the tapestry of female history, this show is an absolute must-see!”

The show was originally produced for touring in March 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic. Gazebo Theatre adapted by streaming a socially distanced version of ‘WANTED’ and are thrilled to be finally bringing the live show – reimagined and relaunched – to The Bay Theatre at Weymouth College on Friday, October 20 at 7.30pm.

To book tickets or for details on other upcoming shows at Weymouth College’s professional theatre, visit The Bay Theatre – Weymouth College