Episode 40

TBB Talks to ... Martina Laird, star of August Wilson play King Hedley II

Published on: 2nd June, 2019

Martina Laird returns to the stage as 'Ruby' in August Wilson's play King Hedley II. Directed by Stratford East Artistic Director Nadia Fall (The Village), King Hedley II follows one man's quest for redemption after being released from prison and features Lenny Henry in his Stratford East debut as smooth-talking hustler 'Elmore'.  

Her stage credits include Shebeen (Nottingham Playhouse/Theatre Royal Stratford East); Shakespeare Trilogy (Donmar Warehouse); Moon on a Rainbow Shawl (National Theatre/Talawa Theatre Company). Her television credits include EastEnders, Blitz, Casualty, The Bay, Epiphany, Jericho, The Dumping Ground, London’s Burning, Shameless, The Bill and Peak Practice.

King Hedley II is set in 1985 and forms part of Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle, a series of plays that documents the African American experience in each decade of the 20th century. Other works in the Pittsburgh Cycle include Fences (adapted into a film starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis) and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. 

Alongside Sir Lenny, Laird shares the stage with Aaron Pierre (Krypton) and Cherrelle Skeete (Fun Home, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).
We caught up with her to find out more about Ruby and the importance of August Wilson's work...

King Hedley II runs at the Royal Theatre Stratford East until Sunday 15th June 2019. Find out more and book tickets: https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/king-hedley-ii

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Blacklisted Conversations
Creatives on Creatives
Hosted by Akua Gyamfi, founder of The British Blacklist, Blacklisted Conversations brings together a handpicked group of UK Black creatives for engaging dialogues with the creatives involved with impactful projects.
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Your Aunties Could Never

Your Aunties Could Never brings you entertaining no nonsense straight talk from women who aren't afraid to say all the things you wish you could say.

Aunty AK, Aunty Farrah, Aunty Nana, and Aunty Sade are four friends from the UK who have lived life and are well respected in business endeavours and amongst friends and family. Elevating them to Elite Auntie status.

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