Raul Delapena Setiawan
In a significant moment for contemporary British theatre, rising star Lauryn Ajufo is set to step into the role that effectively launched the meteoric career of Michaela Coel. Theatre503, in a co-production with the acclaimed British African heritage theatre company tiata fahodzi, has announced the first major U.K. revival of Coel’s semi-autobiographical debut, Chewing Gum Dreams.
Ajufo, whose breakout performance in Boiling Point earned her a British Independent Film Award (BIFA) nomination, will inhabit the character of Tracey Gordon—a role synonymous with the raw, unfiltered voice that would eventually captivate global audiences. The production, directed by Theatre503’s award-winning artistic director Anthony Simpson-Pike, is already generating significant industry buzz, so much so that the theatre has announced an extension to the run before the curtain has even risen.
The Genesis of a Modern Classic: A Chronology
To understand the significance of this revival, one must look back at the play’s humble but potent origins. Chewing Gum Dreams was not conceived in the glitzy halls of the West End, but in the academic crucible of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. It began as Coel’s final-year showcase—a project that immediately signaled the arrival of a generational talent.
- 2012: The Public Debut: The play first graced a public stage at The Yard Theatre in London. It was a gritty, visceral exploration of youth, religion, and the desperate search for identity in a world that feels both restrictive and limitless.
- 2014: National Recognition: Following its initial success, the production was transferred to The Shed at the National Theatre. This move cemented the play’s status as a vital piece of new writing, showcasing Coel’s unique ability to blend comedy with the sharp edges of trauma and adolescence.
- The Television Evolution: The success of Chewing Gum Dreams served as the foundational DNA for Coel’s hit television series, Chewing Gum. The show would go on to win a BAFTA and establish Coel as one of the most important creative voices in the modern television landscape.
- 2024: The Revival: Ten years after its National Theatre run, the play returns to its roots at Theatre503. The significance of this return is not lost on the playwright, who has expressed her deep appreciation for the theatre’s long-standing support of her work.
Anatomy of a Character: Who is Tracey Gordon?
At the heart of the production is the character of Tracey Gordon. Described as a "restricted, religious virgin" navigating the turbulent transition from childhood to adulthood, Tracey serves as a lens through which the audience experiences the frantic, messy, and deeply human journey of first love and the final, fading days of adolescence.
The play is more than just a character study; it is a "fierce, funny, and big-hearted" examination of the moments that define the trajectory of a life. For Ajufo, the role represents a challenge to balance the vulnerability of a teenager grappling with faith and desire with the sharp, rhythmic wit that made the original script so iconic.
Ajufo is no stranger to complex portrayals. Her resume includes roles in the critically acclaimed Dreaming Whilst Black, the high-octane Luther: Fallen Son, and leading roles in the Netflix series Everything Now and Tell Me Everything. Her ability to portray nuanced, youthful struggle makes her an ideal successor to the role of Tracey.
The Creative Engine: Direction and Design
The weight of directing this revival falls to Anthony Simpson-Pike, a director whose reputation for handling sensitive and socially resonant material is unmatched. His recent credits speak to his pedigree: the Olivier Award-winning The P Word, the Black British Theatre Award-nominated Lava, and the critically lauded Grenfell: In the Words of Survivors.
Simpson-Pike has assembled a creative team that reflects the play’s modern, edgy aesthetic. The production design features:
- Set and Costume Design: Yimei Zhao, known for her work on Porn Play.
- Lighting Design: Christopher Nairne, who recently worked on The Real Ones.
- Sound Design: Xana, the creative force behind Alterations.
- Movement Direction: Theophilus O. Bailey, whose work on For Black Boys… has been widely celebrated.
- Casting: Heather Basten CDG, responsible for assembling the team behind The Harder They Come.
This collaborative effort aims to breathe new life into the script while maintaining the intimacy that made the original 2012 run at Theatre503 such a landmark event.
Official Responses and Industry Sentiment
The announcement of the casting and the production has been met with universal acclaim from the stakeholders involved.
"I’m beyond excited to be part of the first U.K. revival of the renowned play," said Lauryn Ajufo in a recent statement. "To step into the shoes of Michaela Coel is truly an honor. I’m looking forward to working with Anthony and the brilliant team at Theatre503 to bring this beautiful piece of theatre back to life. I can’t wait to watch the magic unfold!"
Michaela Coel, reflecting on the full-circle nature of the production, noted, "Theatre503 was one of the early supporters of Chewing Gum Dreams and praised the show greatly during its first run in 2012. It is wonderful to see it have its first U.K. return there, and I’m excited for its opening."
Anthony Simpson-Pike highlighted the overwhelming public response, noting, "We’re excited to announce that Lauryn Ajufo will be taking on the iconic role of Tracey… Lauryn’s talent deserves to be seen by everyone. And clearly, audiences are keen to see this new version too, as today we’re also announcing an extension due to phenomenal demand."
Chinonyerem Odimba, CEO and artistic director of tiata fahodzi, emphasized the partnership’s importance: "This feels like an incredibly exciting partnership with Theatre503, not only because it uplifts an important play in the Black British canon, but also because it brings into sharp focus our shared belief that audiences are hungry for work that feels viscerally human."
Implications for the Black British Theatre Canon
The revival of Chewing Gum Dreams is more than just a nostalgia-driven production; it is a statement on the longevity and importance of Black British storytelling. By revisiting this material, Theatre503 and tiata fahodzi are reinforcing the idea that modern classics deserve to be revisited, reinterpreted, and passed down to new generations of actors.
This production underscores a growing trend in the London theatre scene: the reclamation of contemporary works that defined the early 2010s. By giving a fresh voice like Lauryn Ajufo the opportunity to lead such a high-profile production, the industry is signaling that it is committed to nurturing the next generation of stars while honoring the pioneers who cleared the path.
Furthermore, the "phenomenal demand" mentioned by Simpson-Pike suggests that there is a massive, untapped appetite for stories that prioritize the human experience, particularly those that navigate the intersections of race, faith, and the chaotic beauty of youth.
Final Details
As the industry turns its eyes toward Theatre503, the anticipation for this revival is palpable. Chewing Gum Dreams will run from September 10 to October 3. With the extension already confirmed, it is clear that this production will be one of the most talked-about events in the autumn theatrical calendar.
For Ajufo, the role marks a pivotal transition in her career—a moment where she steps out from the ensemble and into the spotlight of a one-woman show, carrying the legacy of one of the most influential writers of the decade. For the audience, it offers a chance to experience the genesis of a cultural phenomenon, viewed through the lens of a new, equally compelling talent. The magic that began in a small theatre in 2012 is set to unfold once again, promising to be every bit as fierce, funny, and big-hearted as the original.
Laily UPN
Ali Ikhwan
