Choir Boy
Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney | Directed by Nancy Medina⭐ Black British Theatre Awards 2024 ⭐
WINNER! Best Production – Play
WINNER! Best Director, Nancy Medina
WINNER! Best Male Lead Actor in a Play, Terique Jarrett
One of the best nights of theatre I’ve ever experienced
Bristol Post
From Academy Award-winning writer Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight), comes the exhilarating story of Pharus, a young, Black, gay student leading the legendary gospel choir at his elite, all-boys school in America.
Pharus is a confident and gifted singer who has earned his position as soloist. But when his pride is sullied by one of his peers, he falters... what does it mean to be a young, Black, queer man – and to be one at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys?
We’re sent on an electrifying journey through the growing pains of humanity as, together, the boys navigate spirituality, sexuality, race, identity, and brotherhood in their journey to becoming men.
This tender, coming-of-age story is threaded throughout with soul-stirring a cappella gospel hymns and spirituals. It is a beautiful, joyous play which rejoices in all that it means to march to your own drum.
The keystone production of Nancy Medina’s first season, and marking her directorial debut as Artistic Director, Choir Boy plays an exclusive and limited four-week run.
Hits all the right notes
Excels in moments of intimacy
Photography Michael Wharley | Design Steph Pyne
Download the freesheet ⬇️
Image credits: Production photos by Camilla Greenwell; Artwork photography by Michael Wharley; Artwork design by Steph Pyne.
The Choir Boy company would like to thank: Christopher & Sarah Sharp, Phil Supple, Mike Gunning, Promptside, Gary Bath, David Harraway, Mike Elliott, Vicky Richards at Flying Pig Embroidery, David Allen, Michael Obuya, Nancy's agent Davina (who introduced Tarell and Nancy), God, Stevie Wonder (for providing the birthday soundtrack to all the Libras on the team as we made this show), Luther Vandross, LTD for Love Ballad and Richard De Mowbray.
Bristol Theatre Parents Network
9 Feb 2024
GENESIS CONVERSATION: WHAT NEXT FOR NEW WRITING?
3 Nov 2023
Notes from the Writer and Director of Choir Boy
11 Oct 2023
Creating the world of Choir Boy | Designer Max Johns
10 Oct 2023
A day in rehearsals with Choir Boy
6 Oct 2023
“Hair has always been about storytelling” | 10 Mins with Sophia Khan
6 Oct 2023
Gospel Music and Spirituals: A Journey of Resilience and Reverence
6 Oct 2023
How we approached the themes of Choir Boy
4 Oct 2023
Choir Boy: What Are the Songs That Take You Home?
1 Aug 2023
There is theatrical poetry here
The entire cast is a joy to behold
Dulcet perfection
Gospel hymns light up [this] stirring production
This piece has Tarell Alvin McCraney’s heart written all over it. Vulnerable, honest, and beautiful.
Love and unity writ large
Full of sensitivity, hope and compassion... moving in its humanity
Photos by Camilla Greenwell
