It’s been a couple of weeks, but I’m still yet to come down from my Love Thy Fro: The Musical high! When I wrote my book Love Thy Fro, I never imagined it would one day be adapted into a musical! An actual musical on an actual stage with real life actors – mad! But just under 3 years after the books first release, here we are!
A family-friendly show, Love Thy Fro: The Musical follows a young girl as she goes on an unexpected journey where she realises there is much pride to be had in loving the skin you’re in. Comprising a cast of both adult and child actors, the show played at Theatre Peckham in South-East London during October – the UK’s Black History Month. With all of our shows sold out, the musical was clearly a hit. We had every bit of faith the show would be loved, but we underestimated just how well received it would be.
Up to now, we keep getting asked about new shows, when we’re touring and what we’re going to do with it next!
It’s such a lovely feeling to know that so many people see the vision, and understand the importance behind what we’re doing.
But Why Is This Musical So Important?
Since becoming an author, my main objective in creating has always been to inspire while contributing to better representation and diversity within children’s books. However, over time, my vision has expanded and I’ve realised the importance of spreading that message across all platforms within the arts. Starting with theatre.
When have you ever seen a theatre show with a lead character written for a young, black girl with natural, afro hair? The answer is never! I’m a strong believer that children’s aspirations stem from what they see. If they only see images that look like them in certain places, their aspirations and outlook will be limited to those places.
This musical allows children to see themselves in theatre – a space that, let’s be honest, lacks diversity both on and off stage – while also teaching them important lessons around self love and acceptance. Not only that, we found so many people who wouldn’t ordinarily go to the theatre coming to see the show because it told a story they could relate to. They were able to experience something new, in an environment that made them feel like they belonged.
This musical takes representation to a whole new level, by literally putting the diversity we strive for on a bigger stage. This is just the beginning for Love Thy Fro: The Musical. We are working to see how we can continue to grow the show. Not just for our own personal fulfilment, as we get to do what we love, but also so we can give diversity and true representation the stage it deserves.
Stay up to date with everything we’re planning by signing up to our mailing list, visiting our website and following us on social media: www.instagram.com/ltfmusical and www.twitter.com/ltfmusical
A big thank you to all of our sponsors that helped to make this show happen:
ORS Haircare Europe, SliderCuts, TreasureTress, Yindi Curls, Theatre Peckham and Ace of Shades Global.
