Bold and brilliant new drama DANESHA dances into Blackpool Grand Theatre STUDIO on Saturday 19 October from exciting new writer Stefanie Reynolds.

Danesha by Stefanie Reynolds is a thrilling celebration of a young girl coming of age and explores black culture, queer joy and finding and loving your authentic self. Nineteen-year-old Danesha lives in Preston with her white, working class dad. All they play in Preston nightclubs is Little Mix and Miley Cyrus. How is Danesha supposed to vibe to that?

“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” – Danesha

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…

Northern playwright Stefanie Reynolds is a mixed raced, working class, neurodivergent, queer writer from and living in Manchester. Her acclaimed play Danesha powerfully reflects this lived experience. Stefanie said:  “I’m beyond thrilled and delighted that the world is finally getting to meet Danesha. I hope this play resonates with audiences, I hope people find the joy and magic that Danesha brings, and I also hope you’re able to see yourself and feel a little less alone.”

Danesha is presented by Box of Tricks – the Manchester-based award-winning theatre company that champions playwrights, empowering them to tell the stories they want to tell, offering a home for playwrights to find their voice. Joint Artistic Director at Box of Tricks, Adam Quayle, says: “We’re over the moon to be touring this new play celebrating black queer joy. In the current climate, funding cuts have hit the arts and education, so we’re delighted to be touring new work that speaks to young people and ignites a passion for theatre.”

Blackpool Grand Theatre Chief Executive, Adam Knight, said: “It’s very exciting to welcome this exuberant celebration of identity and acceptance from Box of Tricks and Stefanie Reynolds to our STUDIO space. Expect high energy dance sequences, hip hop music and bold storytelling!

“At The Grand we take pride in staging thought-provoking productions from cutting-edge artists in this more intimate performance space, which would have sacrificed their vital intensity within our main theatre’s auditorium. Danesha is one such important new piece of work that I would urge everyone to experience.”

Danesha by Stefanie Reynolds from Box of Tricks theatre company is on Saturday 19 October at 8pm in the STUDIO at Blackpool Grand Theatre. All tickets £17.50.

Recommended age 13+ contains strong language as well as instances of homophobia and racism.