Set in the deep south of the USA in 1918 when interracial marriage was illegal, Julia, a black seamstress, and Herman, a white baker, are defying all odds with their secret love.
They face vicious judgement not just by society but also their closest friends and family. As they finally begin to believe their dreams for a future together are possible, Herman becomes a victim of the Spanish flu. Determined to save him, Julia is faced with decisions that will change her life.
Award-winning American playwright Alice Childress’ Wedding Band is a searing and powerful masterpiece which offers a stark reflection of the reality she was writing in during the Civil Rights era. It explores themes of race and class, questioning the devastating impact of unjust laws on ordinary human lives.
This moving and emotive drama will be directed by Monique Touko following her smash-hit success School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play at the Lyric.
Dates for your diary 
14 June – For The Culture: For The Conversation with Monique Touko & Nicholai La Barrie
Join us for an insightful post-show Q&A with Wedding Band director Monique Touko and the cast in conversation with Lyric Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie. This Q&A is open to all ticket holders of this performance (subject to availability).
14 June – For The Culture: For the Black Folks, celebrating Alice Childress
This night will provide a welcoming space for audiences with a shared lived experience to witness together a bold and unapologetic play about race. Immediately following the 7pm performance, audiences are invited to join a celebration in honour of Alice Childress and her UK premiere of Wedding Band in the Lyric Bar with DJs Shay Sade and Tone until 11pm.
Although it’s set in South Carolina in 1918, I hope people see the parallels to now. I don’t think we’ve come as far as we think we have.
‘It’s well cast, well-acted ... it’s just such a good show’Afridiziak
‘This play leaps through the decades to grab you by the throat. Remarkable.’Evening Standard
‘important, affecting revival’The Guardian
‘What a way to give this play its first London entrance’Time Out
‘This elegant revival … has a lush, feverish intensity’The Stage
‘An accomplished, openly political project’Broadway World
‘This lively production paints a vivid picture of the divided community’The Reviews Hub
‘bold and richly detailed production’London Theatre
‘A powerful piece of drama’London Theatre 1
‘Bravo to the Lyric for staging this classic’The Arts Desk
‘Every ounce of feeling is squeezed out of Childress’ intricate script’All That Dazzles
‘The passion and emotion between Ayorinde and Walmsley is organic’The Rendition
‘The play shines’Theatre Weekly
‘a pleasurable well-made play’WhatsOnStage
On stage...
Videos
In rehearsals...
Cast
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Geraldine Alexander
Thelma
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Deborah Ayorinde
Julia
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Lachele Carl
Fanny
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Lylianna Eugene
Teeta
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Poppy Gilbert
Annabelle
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Poppy Graham
Princess
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Diveen Henry
Lula
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Saskia Holness
Teeta
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Patrick Martins
Nelson
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Bethan Mary-James
Mattie
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Wren Stembridge
Princess
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David Walmsley
Herman
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Owen Whitelaw
Bell Man
