Deep Azure at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse: Five-Star UK Premiere

Chadwick Boseman’s critically acclaimed play, Deep Azure, is currently captivating audiences at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in Southwark, offering local residents a powerful and unique theatrical experience. This five-star UK premiere, praised for its lyrical and physical storytelling, delves into themes of grief, justice, and community, resonating deeply within the vibrant cultural landscape of South London.

What you need to know

The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, situated on Bankside, Southwark, London SE1 9DT, is hosting the UK premiere of Deep Azure. Written by the late Chadwick Boseman, this impactful production runs until 2 May 2026. A newly added captioned performance is available on 24 April 2026, ensuring accessibility for more theatre-goers.

Venue: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Location: Southwark (Bankside, part of Shakespeare's Globe complex)

Dates / Run: Until 2 May 2026 (opened 7 February 2026)

Key Cast/Creatives:

Writer: Chadwick Boseman

Director: Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu

Cast includes: Selina Jones (Azure), Jayden Elijah (Deep), Elijah Cook (Tone), Aminita Francis (SK Good), Justice Ritchie (Roshad), Imani Yahshua (SK Evil)

The production

Deep Azure tells a compelling story of love, loss, and the pursuit of justice following a tragic event. The play is inspired by true events and masterfully weaves together influences from Shakespearean poetry and hip-hop theatre. Audiences will experience a cathartic and lyrical epic, staged in the intimate, candlelit setting of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, which transforms into "The Church of Metamorphosis" for this production. The Upcoming awarded the play a five-star rating, with the Financial Times noting it offers "a tantalising glimpse of Boseman's writing talent". The production is directed by Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, making his directorial debut at the Globe, and features a talented cast including Selina Jones as Azure and Jayden Elijah as Deep.

Why it matters locally

The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, an indoor theatre modelled on Jacobean playhouses and illuminated by over one hundred beeswax candles, is a cornerstone of South London's cultural offerings. Its location within Shakespeare's Globe complex in Bankside makes world-class theatre accessible to local residents. Deep Azure, with its powerful narrative tackling serious contemporary issues such as racism and police brutality, provides a vital platform for discussion and reflection within the community. Supporting this production not only celebrates the work of a significant artist but also reinforces Southwark's reputation as a dynamic hub for diverse and thought-provoking performing arts.

Planning your visit

Tickets for Deep Azure range from approximately £33 to £96, and can be booked via the Shakespeare's Globe website. The running time for the play is 2 hours and 50 minutes, including one interval. For specific accessibility information, it is recommended to check the official venue website directly.

Pro-Tip: Enhance your theatre experience with a pre-show meal or drink at Swan London Bar & Restaurant, located right next door to Shakespeare's Globe. Offering seasonal British produce and stunning riverside views of St Paul's Cathedral, it is an ideal spot to soak in the atmosphere before the performance. Alternatively, consider arriving early to enjoy the unique ambience of the candlelit playhouse itself.