Black Power Desk
It’s 1970’s England. London to be precise. New Scotland Yard have an agenda. To get rid of the rising multi-cultural residents of their society and they will use every underhand tactic they can think of to claim back ‘their’ country. The Black Power Desk operations are dishonourable. Not only are they trying to break up an organisation, but they are also trying to break up families.
The story centres around sisters, Celia, and Dina, having recently lost their mum their worlds are focused on self-empowerment in a male dominated world. Fiercely stubborn, committed to their community and motivated by love, the politics just divides them further.
Written by Urielle Klein-Mekongo (book, lyrics and composition) and Gerel Falconer (lyrics and rapperturgy), it’s a strong take on the struggle of Black people living through the racial tensions of Great Britain amidst the onset of the Immigration Act 1971 and the rise of the British Black Panthers. The script is very beautifully written and hard hitting for anyone watching, whether they have experienced any kind of prejudice or discrimination, or not.
Directed by Gbolahan Obisesan the story flows well and immediately the audience is swept up in the characters’ lives. The move from scene to scene works well and Natalie Pryce’s set design transports us easily from place to place, seamlessly moving us through the narrative.
The onstage band, led by Daniel Taylor takes the audience on a fusion ride of soulful rock, RnB and reggae and there are some truly goosebump moments with the incredible cast vocals.
Veronica Carabai plays Dina, she is a feisty female who refuses to let down her guard and continues to fight for what she believes in, no matter what the cost. A brilliant performance and some lovely moments with Alexander Bellinfantie as Jarvis, whose vocal ability is a treat for the soul.
A separate mention must go to Rochelle Rose who plays Celia. Truly an outstanding performance filled with ‘Dreamgirls’ vibes, we just wanted to see more of this character, such a natural, heartfelt performance and truly touching to see her journey.
Do not be mistaken though, this is by no means a resemblance to any other musical. It stands alone as a relevant piece of musical theatre.
Its themes and story are set in the 70’s, but feel ever more relevant today regarding immigration and mis-informed opinions. It’s a terrifyingly real example of how far we have not come in the last 50 years! We are fighting the same fights and the people with the power are increasingly ignoring the problem of the minority’s actions.
Every school should have access to this production to open discussions and start the conversations that can make a change to our future generations.
This show was reviewed on the 22nd October 2025 at Birmingham Hippodrome where it runs until the 25th October 2025. Tickets available here: BLACK POWER DESK – Birmingham Hippodrome
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Helen Murray
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.