Set in a rundown Hackney council flat where a pirate radio station blasts the airwaves with new music and uncensored political perspectives, Grime MC Jammz and James Meteyard’s play fuses Grime, Garage, and Drill into a story of survival and subculture. Focusing on how music unites and builds communities, and provides a voice for free expression, the show follows the Blaze crew as they battle to keep their station alive, led by father-figure Hughbert. Produced by The Big House, who work with care-affected young people, it weaves together themes of state overreach and the censorship of Black culture. Against the backdrop of 7/7, the Windrush scandal and the censorship of Drill music, Blaze FM asks questions about freedom of speech: not just what is allowed, but who is allowed to say it, and who decides.
Cast
Aliaano El Ali, Andrew Brown, Anais Lone, Marcus Omoro, Leo Patrick
Company information
Director Maggie Norris
Writers James Meteyard and Jammz
Music & lyrics Jammz
Musical supervisor & musical director Shemzy
Sound designer Tony Gayle
Lighting designer Alex Forey
Video designer Mic Pool
Costume designer Lambdog
Set designer Tina Torbey
Additional sounds Jack Baxter
Production manager William Deady
Producer Emily Obasohan
NEED TO KNOW:
Running Time: 80 mins (no interval) | Suitable for ages 16+
Content Warnings: Some swearing. minor references to drugs (smoking weed), off-stage violence / death, references to violence, loud sounds, haze, flashing lights.
