Review: The Alex Wheatle Witness Writing Project, Canada Water Theatre

2026 sees Theatre Peckham celebrating 40 years of leading Black British Theatre. Their commitment to raising and amplifying their profile is evident in their 8^th season of ‘Young, Gifted and Black’, showcasing young Black talent. They continue to immortalise the late Alex Wheatle (1963-2025), through leadership and investment in young people.  

The Alex Wheatle Witness Writing Project – Script Sharing provided opportunity for 10 gifted writers to evolve their script writing with the expertise of Roy Alexander-Weise and Ray Williams. They invested their efforts in helping each writer to hone a scene, an excerpt of each was presented by members of Theatre Peckham Young Actors Alumni. It was an intense preparation period, with strict deadlines and high expectations – each writer delivered. Both Alexander-Weise and Williams were proudly present, endorsing the hard work and commitment of their writers, their work ethic and individual investment. These two professionals supported young writers’ evolution in confidence as well as capability; guidance from elders willing to mentor those that follow.

Canada Water Theatre provided a challenging environment, with tech issues and a very loud adjacent dance party. It was a testament to the professionalism of both writers and performers that these factors did not hamper their delivery.  

Director Prime Isaac energised and encouraged the ensemble to embody each character as they transitioned from scene to scene, with barely a pause to draw breath. Each scene was preceded by a brief story summary to provide framing and context. Themes ranged from immigration, isolation and integration (Ebada Hassan, Tahiris Adames), to family (Suanu Uyai Uko), and inherited formalities.   It would, perhaps, have helped the ensemble to have someone else introduce each scene, to give them a modicum of space to compose themselves for each character change.

The searing honesty and vulnerability in these short insights was impressive. An example being  family dynamics from half siblings discussing their unequal parenting experiences to assess who should donate an organ (Amania Scott-Samuels). In contrast, a young man visited the grave and spirit of an older brother to reflect on familial responsibilities (Kevin Boboto), whilst another tableau explored pregnancy in a multi-racial relationship, where the spectre of parental disapproval loomed large (Destiny Phillip). The modern challenges of ghosting were explored through female friendship, loyalty, expectations and communication(Sky Caesar). Threads of vulnerability were woven through societal judgement around large immigrant families (Ebada Hassan), being excluded at lauded universities (Mio Lobban) and expectations of ‘doing anything’ to succeed in auditions and pursue fame (Kabira Imona).

A lasting highlight from the evening was the first scene. Dynamic writing by Ellis; vibing, jibing, driving home politics, finance, power, satire and outstanding timing.  

In 2017, Alex Wheatle stated, “It is everyone’s responsibility to lift up and encourage each other.” Everyone in this production wholly committed to mutual success. Their grace in evolving from feedback, taking direction and guidance, was evident in their celebration of one another. The universal, yet individual, themes explored are timeless and traverse all intersections of humanity.  Everyone can listen and learn from these talented writers, and their expanded writing and success are highly anticipated.

Young, Gifted & Black is an annual season celebrating young Black British brilliance on stage at Theatre Peckham and Canada Water Theatre. It is a platform for powerful, personal and political work that reflects the richness of Black British life and culture. It continues until 30^th October across Theatre Peckham and Canada Water Theatre.

Created by Theatre Peckham, Manchester Metropolitan University & Words of Colour
Programme Lead Roy Alexander Weise
Guest Playwright Roy Williams
Directed by Prime Isaac

This event was one night only and so has completed its run. More information on the Young, Gifted and Black season can be found below.