Medway theatre company Lyrici Arts is proud to announce the tour of Soul Food Solo Stories in March 2025. This captivating production, featuring four solo performances, celebrates Black heritage, cherished traditions, and the universal journey of belonging. The tour will kick off with a special homecoming performance at GlassBox Theatre in Gillingham on 27th March 2025.
Soul Food Solo Stories first debuted in 2022 and brings together four unique voices – Aduke Aladekomo, Monique Day, Chika Jones, and Lizzy Partridge – who were all part of Lyrici Arts’ HOMEWARD Artist Academy. This academy, devised by Lyrici Arts and previously co-commissioned by Creative Estuary, provides mentorship and training to nurture diverse talent. This rare performance brings together all four stories, showcasing the power of theatrical storytelling.
As Medway’s only Black heritage Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, Lyrici Arts has engaged over 10,000 people through 150+ events, championing Black narratives and amplifying underrepresented voices in theatre. Co-Artistic Director Keely Augustus shares, “Soul Food Solo Stories is more than a performance; it’s a celebration of shared humanity. Our artists have been developing these stories since 2022, and it’s been incredible to witness their evolution.”
Co-Artistic Director Clara Augustus adds, “Our HOMEWARD Artist Academy was founded to elevate Black heritage voices in Medway. This production represents the richness of culture, family, and joy at the heart of our mission.”
Soul Food Solo Stories continues Lyrici Arts’ commitment to increasing theatre access for young people, families, and creatives across Medway. The premiere on 27th March 2025 at 7:00 PM invites audiences aged 12+ to experience the performance and a post-show celebration, featuring interactive opportunities, live music, and complimentary Caribbean & African canapés. Tickets are available via lyriciarts.com.
Lyrici Arts is a Black-led organisation dedicated to creating theatre and arts programmes in Medway. Their vision is to change the way diversity and inclusion are perceived in the arts, and they do so by collaborating with the communities and creatives of Medway. Lyrici Arts believes that everyone should have the opportunity to express their emotions in creative and bold ways, and they are committed to amplifying Black and diverse stories through their creative programmes. They have delivered over 150 events reaching 10,000 people in Medway and beyond and are passionate about collaborating with local and national theatre, arts, and charitable organisations, putting Medway’s artists at the centre of exciting partnerships and tours.
The debut and subsequent community tour of Soul Food Solo Stories is part of Lyrici Arts’ Enter The Spotlight strand, a three-year programme designed to elevate Black and diverse lyrical artists. Their work is kindly funded by Arts Council England, Colyer Fergusson Trust, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, and Medway Council.
For more information, visit lyriciarts.com.
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