Comedian, writer, and satirist Munya Chawawa has unveiled Black Boys Theatre Club (BBTC) — a groundbreaking, community-driven project designed to introduce a new generation of young Black boys to the world of theatre.
Conceived and developed by Chawawa over the past year, the initiative stems from his own early encounters with theatre — a space he found creatively liberating, yet often alienating due to a lack of representation and inclusivity.
At its heart, BBTC seeks to break down the cultural, financial, and emotional barriers that have long made theatre feel inaccessible. It’s an open invitation to a world that has historically excluded many young Black boys — an effort to redefine the landscape of British theatre both onstage and behind the scenes.
Partnering with schools across London and supported by organisations such as Nando’s, the National Theatre, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and Bush Theatre, the programme blends theatre visits with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Participants, aged 15 and 16, not only experience live productions alongside Chawawa but also gain valuable insight into the inner workings of the industry.