Winner of the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022, Nathan Queeley-Dennis’ debut play is a love letter to Birmingham, exploring Black masculinity through Beyoncé lyrics, techno raves and the deeply intimate relationship between a man and his barber.
Trim? Fresh.
Skin? Glowing.
Vibes? Immaculate.
Directed by Dermot Daly, the show was a huge hit during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023 and subsequently opened in London to rave reviews. The show now runs for four performances at the Exchange where it was awarded the Bruntwood Prize in 2022.
Nathaniel is a serious romantic who sees love as a fine art. He’s looking for the Mona Lisa to his da Vinci, and tonight is the night: his date with Destiny…’s Child.
Nathan Queeley-Dennis said…
“I’m thrilled to bring BULLRING TECHNO MAKEOUT JAMZ to the Royal Exchange Theatre. Our journey began here with the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2022. Though I’m not from Manchester, this feels like a homecoming for the play. An extract was performed at the ceremony, and the feeling in the room was electric, you could really feel it living in the space. I’ll never forget that moment or feeling, and I can’t wait to bring that electricity back to that room, bringing the 0121 to the 0161.”
Presented by Ellie Keel Productions & Paines Plough
Produced by Natasha Ketel and Ellie Keel for Ellie Keel Productions
‘Charming, witty and quietly poignant’ ★★★★ Evening Standard
‘blissfully, joyously fun’ ★★★★ The Stage
‘Utter, exhilarating joy’ ★★★★★ WhatsOnStage
‘There’s a thoughtful subtext about the spaces where young Black men are permitted’ ★★★★ TimeOut
‘Rich, intelligent look at Black masculinity that is an utter delight’ ★★★★★ Fest
‘Queeley-Dennis is an astoundingly talented’ ★★★★★ Lost in Theatre Land
‘Queeley-Dennis plays our collective heartstrings like a pro, in an unmissable ode to love, Birmingham and #BlackBritish life’ ★★★★★ Fringe Biscuit
‘Charming, funny and superbly acted’ ★★★★ Theatre Weekly
Image by Rebecca Need-Menear
