The cast of ‘To The Streets’ drive into performances at Handsworth Park

The cast of To The Streets! got into character by hopping on a vintage National Express bus ahead of moving from their rehearsals at Birmingham Hippodrome to their first performances at Handsworth Park this Friday.

To The Streets! is an uplifting new musical by Roy Williams and Tim Sutton inspired by the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the UK’s civil rights history. The show follows the story of Paul Stephenson, an idealistic youth worker who takes to the streets to stand up for equality in Bristol where tensions are running high as the Omnibus Company refuse to employ Black or Asian drivers or conductors. Lorraine, a teenager newly arrived from Jamaica, joins the fight and in so doing, finds her voice and becomes part of a movement that changes history. 

The concert performances will take place between 19 – 28 August at Handsworth Park in Birmingham, Windmill Hill, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, and West Park, Wolverhampton, as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. The performances will be performed festival style, with a range of food and drinks available, including Nally’s Jamaican and Wild Street Kitchen. The show will also be supported by a range of pre-show performances, music and poetry, including DJ Pskyhomantus, Aston Performing Arts Academy, Flexus Dance Collective, Adjei Sun and many more.

To the Streets! is based on an original idea and directed by Christopher Haydon, with book by Roy Williams, music and lyrics by Tim Sutton, design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Arnim Friess, sound design by Gareth Fry, video design by Duncan McLean, and with choreography from Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe. Ian Oakley is Musical Director, Pearson Casting are casting directors, and the show is produced in association with Warwick Arts Centre, City of Wolverhampton Council and DRPG Creative.  

The full community ensemble cast are:

To The Streets! is presented by Birmingham 2022 Festival. A China Plate & Birmingham Hippodrome production in association with Warwick Arts Centre, City of Wolverhampton Council and DRPG Creative. Generously supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Birmingham City Council and Blueprint: Without Walls R&D Investment Fund.