Full cast announced for Lament for Sheku Bayoh written and directed by Hannah Lavery

Lament for Sheku Bayoh will be performed by Saskia Ashdown, Patricia Panther, and Courtney Stoddart and will also feature music from Beldina Odenyo, AKA Heir of the Cursed.

Article Source: National Theatre of Scotland
Last Updated: 18 October 2020 13:10

WORLD PREMIERE

A National Theatre of Scotland, Edinburgh International Festival and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh co-production

Lament for Sheku Bayoh
Written and Directed by Hannah Lavery

Associate Director Caitlin Skinner, Designer Kirsty Currie, Composer Beldina Odenyo, Lighting Designer Emma Jones, Movement Director Natali McCleary, Video Designer Ellie Thompson, Creative Consultant Fatima Uygun.

Cast is Saskia Ashdown, Patricia Panther, and Courtney Stoddart

A young black man lost his life. In Scotland. Five years ago.

Soon after 7am, on a Sunday morning - May 3rd, 2015, Sheku Bayoh, a 31 year-old gas engineer, husband and father of two died in Police custody on the streets of his hometown, Kirkcaldy in Fife.

Lament for Sheku Bayoh is a personal response to this tragedy, an expression of grief for the loss of the human behind the headlines and a non-apologetic reflection on identity and racism in Scotland today.

Performed on the Lyceum theatre’s stage and streamed to audiences at home, Lament for Sheku Bayoh urgently questions, is Scotland really a safe place?

Written and Directed by acclaimed spoken word artist and theatre-maker Hannah Lavery, Lament for Sheku Bayoh was originally commissioned and presented as a rehearsed reading by the Lyceum Theatre, supported by the Edinburgh International Festival as part of the 2019 International Festival’s You Are Here strand.

Lament for Sheku Bayoh will be performed by Saskia Ashdown, Patricia Panther, and Courtney Stoddart. The three cast members also performed as part of the original rehearsed reading at the 2019 Edinburgh International Festival. The production will also feature music from Beldina Odenyo, AKA Heir of the Cursed.

Three performances of Lament for Sheku Bayoh will be streamed on 20 and 21 November 2020 and made available to a paying audience. Viewers can buy tickets to watch performances from either the National Theatre of Scotland or the Lyceum Theatre’s website.

After Sheku Bayoh lost his life in 2015, his family launched a campaign seeking justice and answers about the manner of his death. In 2019 it was announced that a judge-led inquiry into the case would be held, with a view to establishing the circumstances behind the case. Earlier this year it was announced that the remit for the inquiry would include examining whether Mr Bayoh's "actual or perceived race" had played any part in his death.

Writer & Director Hannah Lavery:

"I hope that Lament for Sheku Bayoh will be the beginning of a journey for audiences; that it will leave them with questions that they want answered and that it will give them an energy to pursue a better Scotland. And for some of us it will be an opportunity to be seen and heard and to have an experience and a knowledge of this country shared.

I think it's important for us to be able to talk about Scotland in an honest way, and to not turn our head away from the things that might feel uncomfortable or challenge the idea we have of ourselves. It's important for us all to see Sheku Bayou as a human being- hugely loved, full of promise and with dreams for his future- and to take a moment to really mourn his loss."

Hannah Lavery is an acclaimed spoken word artist and playwright. Most recently she created Disco with Mum for the Company’s Scenes for Survival series and her acclaimed autobiographical solo show, The Drift about identity, belonging and grief produced by the National Theatre of Scotland toured Scotland in 2019 and was featured as part of Ghost Light, for the Edinburgh International Festivals’ My Light Shines On programme in 2020.

"This is lovely, resonating writing, performed with an enthralling, warm confidence. Moving, charming, chastening, it is precisely the kind of work for which our National Theatre of Scotland was created.” Sunday Herald on The Drift

Available to view on 20 November (8pm) and 21 November (1pm & 8pm) nationaltheatrescotland.com and lyceum.org.uk.

Tickets are available on a Pay What You Can scale from £5 to £25 - Booking: nationaltheatrescotland.com/lamentforshekubayoh

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Global fashion retail brand Hollister now open at Silverburn

Leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister has opened its doors today, joining its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Unique displays set to tour Glasgow during its momentous 850th anniversary year

As part of the Glasgow 850 programme, two special displays celebrating Glasgow's development through the centuries and rich social history are about to go on a citywide tour.

Nine works by eminent Scottish artist Alasdair Gray go on display in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Nine works from the significant collection will be on show for the first time, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from Saturday 14th June.

Justin Fletcher announces final tour dates as his brand new rocktastic live theatre show extends into 2026!

CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher has announced that his brand-new live theatre tour Justin Time To Rock will now continue into Spring 2026, with final tour dates just announced.

Double the Cheers: VEGA Unveils Fathers Day x National Beer Day Experience

With Father's Day and National Beer Day falling on the same date, VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow is serving up the ultimate experience for dads, blending both celebrations into one amazing offer.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.

This activity bar is the ideal way to celebrate Fathers Day

If you're trying to think of something more than socks and slippers to treat your dad to this Father’s Day, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option. 

Glasgow, your ultimate beauty destination has arrived

Today H Beauty opens its doors at Silverburn unveiling a next level beauty experience in the west of Scotland.

North at Address Glasgow launches fresh summer menu, seasonal cocktails & weekend brunch

The Address Glasgow has unveiled an all-new summer offering at its signature restaurant, NORTH, featuring bold seasonal flavours, expertly crafted cocktails, and a new weekend brunch menu!

Raise the steaks for dad

A popular Scottish beer brand is serving up the ultimate rare treat this Father's Day!

Saturday walking tours start at Rickshaw & Co.

Vibrant award-wining Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant Rickshaw & Co. is proud to be featured in Stories Behind Glasgow's Hospitality, part of the city's 850th anniversary celebrations.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

Books and Beats: Fundraising book launch for Elephant by Gillian Shirreffs in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity

A not-to-be-missed literary afternoon celebrating the power of words, music and community will take place on Saturday 14th June at Glasgow University Union.

Buchanan Galleries partners with charities to launch initiative in support of improving mens health

Buchanan Galleries, has partnered with five health charities and services for a weeklong initiative aimed at supporting men in Glasgow to improve their health and mental wellbeing.

Glasgow 850 volunteers contribute 350 hours to city celebration

Dedicated Glasgow 850 volunteers have officially surpassed 350 hours of volunteering and engagement activities throughout the city in 2025, it has been announced.

Maison by Glaschu brings summer to Princes Square with free ice cream and unlimited steak frites

One of Glasgow's chicest restaurants and bars, Maison by Glaschu is kicking off summer with a week-long ice cream cart pop-up and a Bastille Day bottomless steak frites special.

Caorunn Gin paints Glasgow red ahead of World Gin Day!

Enjoy a complimentary G&T at Glasgow's iconic Òran Mór venue on Saturday 14th June!

Spinning around in style... VEGA offers Kylie fans 4 hour room package to get gig ready

Kylie Minogue is coming to Glasgow tomorrow and VEGA at YOTEL is helping fans get disco-ready before the first note even drops!

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Global fashion brand Stradivarius confirms first Glasgow store to open at Silverburn

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced it has secured Spanish fashion label Stradivarius, further strengthening its fashion offer.

Cluck the roast! Birds launches new Sunday Fry for Fathers Day

This Father's Day, Birds Fried Chicken is switching up the rules with the launch of The Sunday Fry, a bold and delicious alternative to the classic Sunday roast.

Summer at Glasgow Science Centre: A new adventure every day

Glasgow Science Centre has unveiled its packed programme of activities for the summer holidays... book ahead in June to beat the rush and save on day tickets.

Private whisky club opens its doors to non members in Glasgow

Whisky fans in Glasgow can now experience the world's leading private whisky club as The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is inviting non-members to buy tickets to its unique events.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

Second Hampden could be latest addition to list of nationally important historic sites

Historic Environment Scotland is seeking views on proposals to designate the former football ground at Cathkin Park as a scheduled monument.

Bold and bright artwork hangs in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has installed nine original artworks by Scottish illustrator Katie Smith in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall's Clyde Foyer.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

Full cast announced for Lament for Sheku Bayoh written and directed by Hannah Lavery

Lament for Sheku Bayoh will be performed by Saskia Ashdown, Patricia Panther, and Courtney Stoddart and will also feature music from Beldina Odenyo, AKA Heir of the Cursed.

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings