Sonny's Blues
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Public booking will open at 10am on 23 October 2025.
Join us in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse as Omari Douglas (It’s a Sin, Channel 4) performs a reading of James Baldwin’s profound short story, Sonny’s Blues.
First published in 1957, Sonny’s Blues explores themes of grief, brotherhood and the redemptive power of music. The story follows a schoolteacher in 1950s Harlem who, after the arrest of his younger brother Sonny, confronts his own fear, silence and grief. As the brothers tentatively reconnect, Sonny’s music becomes both confession and salvation, articulating the pain and resilience of a community.
James Baldwin’s work inspired the late Chadwick Boseman, whose play Deep Azure has its UK premiere in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse this spring.
Accompanied by live music, join us for the opportunity to listen to Baldwin’s powerful words in the intimate, candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
DETAILS
TICKETS
Galleries (Seating) £40-£10
Standing £10
This event is on-site in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Running time TBC
Terms and conditions
A £2.50 transaction fee per order applies online and over the telephone. All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, and cannot be sat separately.
Photo of James Baldwin by Carole Weinstein. Used with permission of The James Baldwin Estate.
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ACCESS
Our Access Scheme offers additional information on suitable seating, and adjusted ticket pricing for audience members with access needs.
Explore the assisted performances for this event below. We also provide Access Resources for Audio Described and Relaxed performances. These will be added in time for the first of each of those access performances and will be available for all performances after that date.