“Sometimes I pretend I’m in a music video. And that I have a backing group. And they’re always black, even though I don’t have any black friends, in real life.”

All they play in Preston nightclubs is Little Mix and Miley Cyrus. How is Danesha supposed to vibe to that?

After successfully managing to convince her Preston mates (as well as telling a teeny, tiny white lie to her dad), Danesha arranges a night out in Manchester. She finds the sickest club with the sickest music and the sickest vibe. It’s proper, proper mint.

Then she meets Her and Danesha’s whole existence becomes one big question mark. Because Danesha thought it was normal to feel like you don’t quite fit in, to like music that nobody else likes, to move your body in a way your friends can’t, and to not know anything about your mum and the island she comes from…

Danesha is a new coming-of-age story exploring black culture, queer joy and finding and loving your authentic self.

In addition to theatres, Danesha tours to a number of local schools.

For all press enquiries, contact Becky Martin of BMPR.

 

Audio Described Performances: We’ve been working with Maria Major and Hear the Picture to develop bespoke Audio Described Performances for Danesha for every performance across the tour. Find out more here.

Content warnings:
Strong language
Instances of homophobia
Discussions of racism
Discussions of drug misuse

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“An engaging coming-of-age story that joyfully wears its heart on its sleeve... An excellent debut by an extremely talented writer who clearly has a bright future ahead of her... Exuberant, joyful and life affirming”

★★★★ Reviews Hub

“A captivating and intimate journey of self-discovery, brought to life by a talented cast and clever stage design... Danesha is a wonderful play about self love in more than one way and it cannot be missed!”

I Love Manchester

“A fabulous exploration of intersectionality... absolutely delightful from start to finish... The small cast had great chemistry, playing well-written, endearing characters trying to find their place in the world... A lot of genuinely laugh-out-loud moments throughout... A truly realistic portrayal of a first queer encounter... We absolutely adored it – catch it if you can.”

Canal Street Online

“Reynolds’ writing brings home the time in your life when quarrels with your closest friends and family take on cataclysmic proportions... Talia Rae Smith’s sparkling performance as Danesha... she really shines... An engaging, entertaining new work from a promising emerging writer and a theatre company that amplifies new voices.”

★★★ The Stage

“Danesha is an ambitious play communicating strong messages in a lively and engaging manner... The cast is excellent.”

British Theatre Guide

“Danesha is highly charged, hopeful, and filled with friendship, community, and self-discovery.”

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