‘Jamaica Love’ lands Black British Theatre Awards nominations
by Darell J. Philip/ - Gleaner Writer · The GleanerLONDON:
The highly acclaimed stage play Jamaica Love has received two nominations from the Black British Theatre Awards 2024. Written and directed by Mervyn Weir, Jamaica Love is a musical journey through Jamaica’s colonial history and the Caribbean diaspora experience in Britain, from the docking of the Empire Windrush at the Tilbury Docks in 1948 to present.
Jamaica Love received nominations for Best Musical Production, with Celia Wickham-Anderson also nominated for Best Musical Director. The awards ceremony is set to take place at the Lyceum Theatre on Wellington Street, Covent Garden in West London on Monday, November 4.
Weir shared his excitement with The Weekly Gleaner.
He said: “I received a wonderful present on my birthday (in September) – the official announcement that Jamaica Love has two nominations from the Black British Theatre Awards for Best Musical Production and Best Musical Director for our beloved Celia Wickham-Anderson.”
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Weir, who is also the author of I Can’t Breathe, a literary and visual work that reflects on the murder of George Floyd and the systemic pattern of racism for which he received a Pioneer Award in 2020 for its film version, added:“Thanks, blessings and my deepest appreciation for all who have attended, supported, shared news of or even prayed for the success of the production. You have made Jamaica Love what it is – outstanding.”
After sold-out shows last year, including taking centre stage in the heart of London’s West End at the Trafalgar Theatre, Jamaica Love has made a second UK tour at Alexandra Palace and The Grove Theatre, with further performances taking place at Beck Theatre on October 26 and Ashcroft Theatre on November 2.
And for Weir, whose career highlights include receiving an award for his writing from famed author James Baldwin and reciting his poem in the presence of Maya Angelou, the nominations are a birthday present he will never forget.
Jamaica Love was produced by Krik Krak. The final two performances for the year will take place on October 26 at Beck Theatre. For more information visit: https://www.jamaicalove.co/.