‘A riot of sound story and spirit’: Incredible true story of Brixton Academy takes to the stage

In 1983 a 23-year-old bought a derelict cinema for £1.

He called it The Academy, and transformed the building into one of South London’s most iconic music venues.

The incredible true story of Brixton Academy will be brought to the stage this summer at Southwark Playhouse Borough, in Newington Causeway, with the World Premiere of Brixton Calling.

Inspired by Simon Parkes’ bestselling memoir Live at the Brixton Academy, and ignited by a live soundtrack of reggae, punk, rock and rave, Brixton Calling will run from July 23 to August 16.

Director Bronagh Lagan said: “Brixton Calling isn’t just a play — it’s a riot of sound, story, and spirit. 

“Set against the fire of ’80s Brixton —a place where pain met power, and out of the cracks, something electric grew. 

“A time of unrest, resistance, and radical creativity — this show hits hard, plays loud and grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go.”

This nostalgic love letter to a place and sound that defined an era is brought to life on stage just fifteen minutes from where it all happened. 

Writer Alex Urwin said: “Brixton Calling is a joyous time capsule for music fans and just as importantly, an entry point into the big questions of how all of music, politics, South London and Britain changed through the ‘80s and ‘90s – for better and for worse – and the legacies of that change we’re still working through today. 

“We can’t wait to transport audiences back in time to experience the legendary moments that became part of this country’s music history.”

With support from Arts Council England, theatre company Kick It Anywhere is using this project to work with community-focused music and events charity, The Soulstice Collective.

The partnership will deliver workshops related to the play to young people from South London.

Kick It Anywhere is also working with partners across South London – including Raw Material Music – a community music and arts centre – to capture the spirit of the story and create a platform for creatives across music and theatre.

Brixton Calling will run at Southwark Playhouse Borough from July 23 to August 16.

For tickets, visit:  https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/brixton-calling

Pictured top: Brixton Calling poster (Picture: Kick It Anywhere)