NEWS: West End stars reunite to perform the title number from The Color Purple

July 9, 2020

West End stars Marisha Wallace, Wendy Mae Brown, Cavin Cornwall, Tyrone Huntley and Hugh Maynard have reunited with The British Theatre Academy Ensemble from their critically acclaimed production of The Color Purple in Concert to record the title number as a fundraiser.

The reunion video is being released to raise donations for the BTA, who offer free and affordable theatre opportunities for young performers. Donations will provide free bursary places at The British Theatre Academy, with an emphasis on bursaries young artists from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, especially in cases where finance is a direct limitation to access to training.

The original concert was produced at Cadogan Hall in 2017 by The British Theatre Academy and Tarento Productions, with direction by Danielle Tarento, musical direction by James Taylor, choreography by Mykal Rand and sound design by Andrew Johnson.

Cast: Marisha Wallace with Wendy Mae Brown, Cavin Cornwall, Tyrone Huntley and Hugh Maynard
and the BTA ensemble: Charleen Afolabi, Agatha-May Akora, Bernadette Bangura, Felicia Bhebhe, Tracey Vanessa Brown, Lashayah Byfield, Jada Marie Campbell, Sarah Freer, Chloe Gentles, Liam Godwin, Winny Herbert, Claude Hopkins, Jade Johnson, Akmed Khemalai, Jordan Louis-Fernand, Jochabel Ohene MacCarthy,Robyn Marshall, Ayesha Maynard, Mary Moore, Billy Nevers, Krishana Parker, Rochelle Sherona, Ben Terry, Aiyeesha Vassell, Aisha Williams, Laura Wynter

Band: Musical Director James Taylor, Keys 1 Chris Ma, Keys 2 Benjamin Holder, Reed 1 Jennah Smart, Reed 2 Chris Hatton, Trumpet Michael Mason, Guitar Gareth Lieske, Bass Timothy Loewendahl, Drums/Percussion Matt Billups

Audio mixed by James Taylor, video edited by Dean Johnson, directed by Danielle Tarento
Produced by Matthew Chandler for the British Theatre Academy and Danielle Tarento

Take a look at all of the latest theatre news here