The Journey So Far

In 2016, Inua Ellams' 'Barber Shop Chronicles' made its debut at the National Theatre - a compelling, explosive, funny and charming story connecting Black men in barbershops all over the world. Despite the international success of Barber Shop Chronicles, we felt like something was missing, namely that although this was a very Black story, the audience did not reflect that.

It doesn't take many trips to the theatre to realise that of those who have the privilege to visit the theatre are older, White people are in the majority, even when the cast is majority Black or multi-racial. With this in mind, Tobi worked to secure 30 tickets for 'Barber Shop Chronicles' for Black youth. She fundraised via social media and caught the attention of Lola who was keen to help.

Together, we have been able to raise over £2000 to send 253 Black people to see the critically acclaimed 'Nine Night' and wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of The National Theatre, Hannah Cox and the generosity of everyone who donated to and shared the fundraising campaign. So many people have benefitted and enjoyed the show, who wouldn't have without all our collective support.

Representation beyond seeing a reflection of yourself, means that more diverse stories will be told, with more complex and interesting characters on a variety of issues, and more people from underrepresented backgrounds will have agency to tell those stories. We want to open up the doors to the theatre-world on a more consistent and long term basis by starting the process to make this official. The Black Ticket Project is a project that will give Black people, particularly young Black people, the opportunity to experience the theatre for free. Tobi is in talks with a few theatres for future show runs and Lola is working on the business side of things but in order to get this off the ground we need your help.

The Money

£1000 of your donations will go towards a website, logo and administrative tasks that are required of us by law to legitimise the Black Ticket Project and create a consistent source of funding for Black young people to attend productions across the year. £1340 will go towards our next batch of productions.

We are delighted to share that will be partnering with Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) to offer 170 tickets across two exciting new shows, as part of BAC’s Phoenix Season, which celebrates the re-opening of their Grand Hall, and BAC’s role as a developer of inventive artists and a centre for the entire community.

BAC will offer tickets to the Black Ticket Project for Frankenstein: How To Make A Monster and SUPERBLACKMAN. With your help, The Black Ticket Project will then use these tickets for young black audiences to experience these shows for free. For more information on these shows, please visit bac.org.uk .

The rest will go towards fees from JustGiving.

No donation is too large or too small. We appreciate all of your support, and we hope this is the beginning of something special.

Love,

Tobi & Lola x