by Testament. Directed by Nathan Gaël York.
Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 October at 7.30pm
Matinée on Saturday 11 October at 3pm.
At the Tower Theatre, Stoke Newington
We walk. We speak. We belong.
Inspired by a real-life walking group, Black Men Walking is a poetic and quietly political exploration of Black British identity. As three men hike through the snowy Peaks, their steps stir voices from the past – stories often left out of history books. When they encounter a young Black woman, the landscape begins to shift, and so does their understanding of themselves.
This new production blends spoken word, movement and music to powerful effect. With surreal tinges, this “Walking for Godot” explores brotherhood, legacy, and the spaces Black people carve out in a country that often overlooks them. A rich, layered experience that moves between the real and the imagined, the personal and the political.
Buy Tickets
Tuesday 7 October at 7.30pm
Wednesday 8 October at 7.30pm
Thursday 9 October at 7.30pm
Friday 10 October at 7.30pm
Saturday 11 October at 3pm
Saturday 11 October at 7.30pm
Q & A session with Testament
Testament is an award winning writer, educator, rapper, world record breaking beatboxer. His plays include the acclaimed Black Men Walking and Orpheus In The Record Shop. Testament’s BBC Radio 4 spoken word drama Daughter won Special Commendation at the Audiodrama Awards 2022 and was nominated for the Prix Europa. His work has been performed on BBC TV, Sky Arts and Disney Plus. Currently, he is a writer on the Netflix show Castlevania Nocturne.
Cast
Richard : Jonathan Ude
Ayesha : Amanda Chinyanganya
Matthew : Akeem George
Thomas : Kieron Mieres
Production Team
Director : Nathan Gaël York
Set Design : Angelika Michitsch
Costume Design : Jean Carr
Lighting Design : Alexander Kampmann
Sound Design : Matthew Ibbotson
Stage Manager : Laurence Tuerk
Assistant Director : Imogen Front
Deputy Stage Manager : Moira McSperrin
ASM : Sandra Monero
Assistant Set Designer : Jacqueline Knight
Lighting Operator : Jennie Foot
Sound Operator : Kaushal Ginige
Costume Assistant : Polly Dennish Ross
Kieron Mieres as Thomas
Jonathan Ude as Richard
Akeem Nicol as Matthew
Amanda Chinyanganyaron as Ayesha
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal 
“Black Men Walking” in rehearsal
Photography by Marc Gascoigne
 Jonathan Ude is a dedicated and dynamic actor who began his journey in the performing arts at the age of 18. Over the past five years, he has honed his craft through various acting workshops and has steadily built his presence in the industry through a range of powerful stage performances. His recent credits include National Youth Theatre x Trybe House Showcase (2023), What I Hear, I Keep (Emmanuel) with TALAWA Theatre (2023), Nyumbani (Asante) with HiddenViewz, and Refraction (Sylvester) with Loads of Talent. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to authentic performance, Jonathan continues to bring compelling characters to life on stage. |
 Amanda Chinyanganya is an actor and award-winning spoken word poet whose work blends sharp storytelling with heartfelt authenticity. On stage, she most recently performed in the Limitless showcase at Brixton House Theatre (2025), while screen credits include Sex Education (Netflix, 2023) and Ted Lasso (Apple TV, 2023). Amanda is especially excited about bringing the character of Ayeesha to life, exploring her story with warmth and depth. Passionate about connecting with audiences, she brings a natural presence and emotional truth to every role — whether it’s in a hit streaming series or in an intimate live performance. |
 Akeem George trained at the Identity Drama School (2010-2013). He’s appeared in a Premier League Productions advert (January 2023) and is a spoken word artist, performing across London. His poetry has featured at the Fingal Poetry Festival in Dublin and the Southbank Centre. Recently, Akeem performed as Thomas/Trevor in Rocket and Blue Lights at the Tower and in 81 (Life) at the Almeida Theatre. |
 Kieron Mieres has been acting for over ten years and in that time he has donned many a wig, many a frock and many an accent. From his initiation at the National Youth Theatre to his dramatic escapades at Bristol University, to his off-West End stints (with amongst other theatre companies KDC and SEDOS), it is fair to say that Kieron has been around the theatrical block a few times. He has appeared at the Tower once before, in Fix Up in 2019. |
 Nathan Gaël York is a London-based director, writer, and Artistic Director of NGY Productions. He has been a member of the Tower Theatre since 2018, where he directed A Couple of Lock Downs (2021) as part of Love [and Survival] in a Time of Covid, and was Assistant Director on Rules for Living (2019). Nathan studied playwriting in Paris and New York, graduating with honours from Brooklyn College before completing a Master’s in Creative Writing at City University of London. Alongside his creative work, he has held senior marketing roles at Headlong, the Unicorn, and Polka Theatre. He brings a bold and thoughtful approach to his direction of Black Men Walking, a production that reflects his commitment to inclusive, dynamic storytelling. As a queer Black artist, Nathan is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices on stage. |