Woman dressed as Nina Simone in front of a black backdrop

BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE

Thu 10 - Fri 11 October 2024
Tickets £25-£30 *

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Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live.

Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

The show has played nationally and internationally to standing ovations from Shanghai and New York to Edinburgh and London’s West End. It recently toured Australia and won the Best Theatre Award at Adelaide Fringe 2024.

Main images: Josh McClure | Production images: Rod Penn

Running Time

70 minutes, no interval

General Guidance

Show contains references to violence and racism

Age Guidance

12+

Tickets

7.30pm: £25/£30 *

* All ticket prices include a £3 per ticket booking fee

Assisted Performances:

Audio Described performance: Friday 11 October, 7:30pm

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Nicholle Cherrie (Performer)

Nicholle graduated from ArtsEd in 2017. Her theatre credits include Soon (Eclipse), Mansfield Park (Watermill), Splintered (Soho), Black Love (Kiln), 15 Heroines (Jermyn Street), Girl From The North Country (Gielgud/Toronto), Richard II (Shakespeare’s Globe), Leave Taking (Bush), Mamma Mia (Cyprus), Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park). Her television credits include Doctors (BBC).

Apphia Campbell (Writer)

Apphia Campbell is originally from United States and graduated from Florida International University with a BFA in theatre performance. She was the IASH playwrighting fellow for 2021.

She wrote Black Is The Color Of My Voice in 2013. In 2017 her show with Meredith Yarbrough, Woke, was presented as part of the Made In Scotland Showcase, where it won a Scotsman Fringe First, a Highly Commended from Amnesty International Award, and was shortlisted for The Filipa Bragança Award and Scottish Art Club Theatre Award. 

In 2019, she made her West End debut with Black Is The Color Of My Voice at Trafalgar Studios and had a London premiere of Woke at Battersea Arts Centre.

Her first commission from the BBC for a children’s story, called Zachary The Zebroid aired in 2020 and she also wrote Birdie’s Dilemma for Scenes for Survival (BBC in collaboration with NTS Scotland). She was one of six writers who wrote for the National Theatre of Scotland’s Christmas show Rapunzel.

Recent Credits: The Last Bordello (David Leddy, Director) Woke (Caitlin Skinner, Director), Black Is The Color Of My Voice (Arran Hawkins, Director), The Color Purple (James Harkness, Director), Soul Sessions ( Cabaret), No Exit (Michael Beets, Director).

Gallery

  • Nicholle Cherrie as Nina Simone on stage, she stands with arms outstretched
  • Nicholle Cherrie as Nina Simone on stage sitting on bed, a suitcase is next to her
  • Nicholle Cherrie as Nina Simone on stage sitting in a chair
  • Nicholle Cherrie as Nina Simone on stage standing raising one arm in a passioned speech

Videos

Watch the trailer here!

  • 'A stirring, pointed, and poignant tribute to Nina Simone.'

    ALL EDINBURGH THEATRE
  • 'A compelling and heartbreaking story'

    Edinburgh Festival Magazine
  • 'Nothing short of sensational'

    Broadway Baby
  • 'Moving portrayal of determination and survival'

    THE TIMES
  • 'Absolutely captivating'

    MUSICAL THEATRE REVIEW
  • 'Hauntingly beautiful'

    THEATRE WEEKLY
  • 'Masterfully executed, adding power to the gripping narrative'

    THEATRE & TONIC