"First thing I'm a need you to do is keep my secret. can’t let nobody know I’m here and I mean nobody."
In her illegal boarding house in Butetown, Cardiff, Gwyneth Mbanefo (Sarah Parish) toils tirelessly to keep afloat.
It’s a port town during the war; home to souls from every corner of the globe. When Nate (BIFA winner Samuel Adewunmi), an African American GI, escapes his barracks and discovers this new world without segregation, can he find safe harbour in Tiger Bay? And with danger on every corner, who can he trust?
TROUBLE IN BUTETOWN is a world premiere by the award-winning playwright Diana Nneka Atuona (Liberian Girl), directed by Tinuke Craig (Jitney, Old Vic).
★★★★ “Smart writing… warm, spontaneous and true.” The Telegraph
“A gripping ensemble drama… richly involving, warmly and wittily observed, and immensely moving – and the performances are gorgeous.” Evening Standard
“A fascinating and eminently entertaining production... Every actor brings charisma and joy to their role… Together they breathe humanity into every line, and make this play sing.” Guardian
“Tinuke Craig’s production is consistently entertaining.” The Stage
“The acting was exceptional… Beautifully written and fantastically directed” Afridiziak
“A pleasurable couple of hours of theatre, with characters we end up feeling deeply for” Time Out
“A glimpse of another time, another world.” The Times
“There's always something very appealing about big stories in small spaces… It's a proper chunk of life, and a highly enjoyable evening.” WhatsOnStage
“Masterful performances” Theatre Weekly
“Heartwarming and heartbreaking” Culture Whisper
Time Out's Best New Shows Opening in February 2023, WhatsOnStage Top New Plays to See in 2023 and the FT's Hot Tickets for 2023
We are hugely grateful to our Season Supporter, Charles Holloway.
