Lydia Luke, writer and director of swallow at Peckham Fringe and a winner of BOLD Playwrights 2024, takes a breath to talk about this new show.
“I just want to be held, constantly.”
‘Natalie and Aren are “dating.” Whatever that means. Taking place over one evening, swallow tells an intimate story about the fear of commitment, modern romance in the Black British community and the tragedy of falling in love with potential. ‘
Where: Canada Water Theatre
When: 29 May
Ticket link: https://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/show/swallow/
Can you tell us a bit about your new show?
Taking place over one evening, when Natalie realises her lover Aren is not on the same page as her, all hell breaks loose!
I’ve been developing swallow for the past three years, so it’s been a real labour of love and I’m very excited to bring it to Peckham Fringe.
Do you enjoy fringe festivals? What’s great about Peckham?
Fringe festivals are so much fun both as a theatre maker and audience member. I’ve had some of the wackiest, most meaningful experience in fringe venues.
I miss the Vaults greatly [as do we all].
Peckham Fringe is amazing because they platform Black theatre-makers who are in the beginning stages of their careers.
swallow is a show about dating, intimacy, and commitment in the Black British community. What should audiences expect?
Audiences should expect to laugh, gasp, and feel something deeply in themselves, especially if they’ve ever been in love.
What else is in the pipeline after these shows?
I’ve been working on another play called upright enuf about Black women navigating the pain and the NHS. Keep your eye out for that.
Describe your show in three words.
You will relate!