COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

New musical play about Jamaican freedom fighter Queen Nanny will premiere in Coventry before opening in London in summer 2027



Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Hackney Empire and tiata fahodzi have announced a major new co-production, with the world premiere of Nanny of the Maroons set for summer 2027.

The new musical play will open at the Belgrade Theatre from Friday 18 June to Saturday 3 July 2027, with a national press night on Wednesday 23 June, before transferring to Hackney Empire from Wednesday 7 July to Sunday 11 July 2027.

Tickets for the world premiere go on sale today.

Nanny of the Maroons tells the true story of Queen Nanny, the legendary 18th century Jamaican freedom fighter who led her people in a war against British colonial forces and became a national hero.

Set high in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, the story follows Nanny as she prepares to defend her community, revered as both a brilliant military strategist and spiritual leader.

The production is written by Belgrade Theatre Artistic Director Corey Campbell and Lucia Haynes, directed by Campbell alongside Justine Themen, with music and lyrics by Corah Fowles.

The show has been developed through the Belgrade’s co-creation model, placing communities at the heart of the creative process, with West Midlands-based company China Plate supporting as Executive Producers.

Corey Campbell said, “At the Belgrade, we believe theatre is at its most powerful when it is made with people, not just for them. Nanny of the Maroons has grown out of incredible conversations, creativity and collaboration with communities – and in particular the elders of those communities – in Coventry, the Midlands and in Jamaica. It has truly been my honour and privilege to have worked with them and learnt from them, and to now be bringing the story of Jamaica’s only heroine to life. It’s incredibly exciting to be working alongside Hackney Empire and tiata fahodzi as we bring the production to audiences in 2027.”

Further creative team details and casting will be announced in due course.

Listings and ticket information can be found here.