The inaugural launch of Alex Wheatle Day on Monday 4th May 2026 at Theatre Peckham was a success.
The brilliantly realised stage adaptation of Alex Wheatle’s novella WITNESS by Theatre Peckham’s CEO / Artistic Director Suzann McLean and David Fielding captivated a capacity audience.
Attracting glowing reviews, Everything Theatre said: “In Witness as a novella, Wheatle accesses layers of responsibility and trauma faced by young people. In its staging, McLean/Fielding increase the calls to action – to listen to the fears and aspirations of young people, to create places of safety and respect that their time is now, and it’s so very different from the past, faster, more urgent, potentially fatal as they fight to survive childhood and emerge into adulthood.”
The post show panel discussion hosted by Words of Colour was moderated by our Executive Director Joy Francis and featured TV and film executive Iyare Igiehon, actors Elliot Edusah and Sheyi Cole, award-winning writer and poet Derek Owusu and Suzann McLean.
Among the topics explored were the challenges and opportunities faced when adapting black stories for TV and film, industry gatekeeping, how black artists retain their agency within mainstream creative culture, Alex’s legacy and how to nurture the next generation of black talent.
The curated event ended poignantly with a speech written by Alex’s family which was read by Joy Francis to the audience. Throughout the launch, the audience and guests, including actors Jo Martin and Malachi Kirby, engaged positively with the temporary exhibition featuring Alex’s work, words and achievements.
Alex Wheatle Day, founded by Joy Francis and Suzann McLean, will be an annual celebration of theatre, music, sound system culture, literature, TV, film, poetry, storytelling and championing stories and young talent from black and underrepresented communities.
Photo credit: Adrianne McKenzie
