LEI – LDN is a vibrant one-woman show that boldly fuses spoken word, movement, and comedy to explore a journey of self-discovery.Summary
Rating
Good
If you’ve ever felt caught between cultures or questioned where you belong, this performance is for you. Raw, funny, and electric, LEI – LDN is a vibrant one-woman show that boldly fuses spoken word, movement, and comedy to explore a journey of self-discovery.
Our very own Fresh Princess of Peckham Rye, Na-keisha Pebody, presents a vibrant coming-of-age story that follows Chardaye (performed by Pebody), a mixed-race teenager navigating the cultural divide between Leicester and London. Under the direction of Mya Onwugbonu, the text is brought to life with organic energy and a playful, character-driven approach to multi-roling. Onwugbonu’s direction leans into the script’s humour and heart, encouraging bold physicality and sharp character comedy that adds depth and dynamism to Pebody’s writing. The show opens with clothes scattered across the stage, immediately situating the audience in a chaotic, transitional space — one that reflects Chardaye’s emotional state. Though Leicester and London are only two hours apart by train, Pebody reveals the vast cultural gulf between them: one city where Black culture is scarce, and another where it thrives. Her storytelling provides a sharply observed and deeply personal exploration of this cultural dislocation, exposing how proximity doesn’t always equal familiarity — or acceptance.
Pebody’s performance is magnetic. She brings Chardaye to life with a compelling blend of vulnerability, wit, and precision. Her ability to shift between humour and emotional intensity is impressive, and her writing drips with poetic insight. Through clever use of metaphor and spoken word, she captures the complexities of cultural duality and the tension of straddling two identities. One standout line — “Telling a racist they’re racist is like telling a blind person to start seein’” — encapsulates both the frustration and futility of confronting ignorance in a society still steeped in denial. These moments land with force, encouraging reflection without ever losing the humour that keeps the show buoyant.
Music plays a crucial role in the production. From ‘Candy’ to ‘Bruk Off Yuh Back’, the soundtrack pulses with energy, enriching the narrative and showcasing Black British culture with pride. These carefully selected tracks not only raise the tempo of the show but also serve as emotional touchpoints, heightening the mood and creating a sense of community within the space. Each dance break leaves the audience wanting more; a testament to the show’s seamless multi-media integration.
At its heart, LEI – LDN is also a story of grief and growing up. Chardaye is still reeling from the loss of her father while trying to navigate life in a new city, manage fractured family dynamics, and find her place in a world that often demands she choose sides. The portrayal of grief — subtle yet deeply felt — adds a powerful emotional undercurrent. The tension between Chardaye and her mother is particularly poignant, revealing how loss seeps into every corner of life, shaping relationships in ways both spoken and unspoken. We are left wanting to know more about this fractious relationship.
With commanding stage presence, sharp writing, and an open heart, Pebody delivers a bold, resonant piece of theatre. LEI – LDN doesn’t just tell a story, it invites us to feel, question, and ultimately connect. It’s a vital exploration of belonging and authenticity, told through the eyes of a young woman learning how to hold space for all parts of herself.
Directed by: Mya Onwugbonu
Written by: Na-keisha Pebody
LEI – LDN will be playing at The Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh Fringe from Wednesday 30 July – Monday 25 August
