Alan Charles is back—and this time, he’s not pulling any punches.
In his latest and most explosive stage production yet, “Why Didn’t I Get Married?”, Charles rips the bandage off a long-simmering wound in the Black Christian community: the crisis of singlehood among Black women in the church.
With a raw, courtroom-style drama as its vehicle, the play asks a question many have dared to whisper but few have said aloud: Should the Black church be held accountable for the high number of unmarried Black women in its pews?
The 7:1 Dilemma
It’s no secret—churches are filled with women. Conservative estimates put the ratio at 7 women to every 1 man. For decades, single Black Christian women have waited, prayed, and fasted for husbands who, statistically speaking, may never arrive. But is this just a numbers game—or is there more at play?
Charles’ production doesn’t shy away from hard questions. Borrowing insights from books like Black Christian and Single and voices like Dr. Umar Johnson, “Why Didn’t I Get Married?” tackles everything from church culture to gender dynamics to economic power. Is the church subconsciously incentivized to keep Black women single—since, as the more educated and higher-earning gender in the pews, they are often the biggest tithers and most active volunteers?
Or are these claims unfair, ignoring broader societal issues like incarceration, economic disenfranchisement, and cultural shifts?
A Class-Action Lawsuit… Against the Church?
The plot centers around a bold legal move: a group of single Black Christian women files a class action lawsuit against the church itself. Their charge? Emotional and psychological trauma caused by involuntary singlehood—something they say is partly due to the church’s failure to support realistic relationship outcomes or foster suitable environments for healthy matchmaking.
In this gripping semi-courtroom drama, the church is called to the stand. The audience becomes the jury. And the verdict? That’s left to you.
Don’t Miss This Conversation-Starter of a Play
Whether you’re a churchgoer, a single woman, a married man, or just someone interested in the intersection of faith, gender, and truth—this play is a must-see.
“Why Didn’t I Get Married?”
LONDON (WEST)
Sunday 7th September 6pm | Doors 5.30pm
The Questor Theatre
12 Mattock Lane, Ealing W5 5BQ
Tickets: £25 Early Bird B4 31st July | £ 30 thereafter – £35 at the door
Book your tickets online at website.questors.org.uk or 020 8567 5184
LUTON
Sunday 21st September 6pm | Doors 5.30pm
Luton Library Theatre
St Georges Square
Luton, LU1 2NG
Tickets: £20 Early Bird B4 31st July | £ 22.50 thereafter – £25 at the door
Book your tickets Online at ticketsellers.co.uk
Or call Focus Arts 07476 909 871 or Heritage Associates: 07956 569 638
LONDON (SOUTH)
Sunday 28th September 6pm | Doors 5.30pm
Broadway Theatre
Rushey Green
Catford, SE6 4RU
Tickets: £25 Early Bird B4 31st July | £ 30 thereafter – £35 at the door
Book your tickets Online at www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk
