A landmark Belgrade Theatre production blending spoken word, music, dance and magical realism to tell the true story of Queen Nanny, the Jamaican freedom fighter.
Nanny of the Maroons runs at the Belgrade Theatre from 18 June to 3 July 2027, a production that blends music, dance and drama to tell the true story of Queen Nanny. She was an 18th-century Jamaican freedom fighter, warrior and healer who led her people against British colonial forces in the Blue Mountains and became a Jamaican national hero — though the British feared her as a witch. The show is built around spoken word, music, dance and magical realism, drawing on legend and folklore to reclaim history and heritage. It's dedicated to the Nannys of the past, present and future, with a special thanks to the Caribbean communities of Coventry and the Elders who shared their wisdom.
It wasn't put together overnight. The production was developed over two years of historical research, community oral storytelling sessions, workshops and artistic collaborations, and was co-created with Coventry's own communities. It's directed by Corey Campbell and Justine Themen, written by Campbell and Lucia Haynes, with music and lyrics by Corah Fowles. The age recommendation is 14+, as it contains scenes of violence and difficult themes.
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There are plenty of ways to fit it in. Evenings are at 7.30pm, except Wednesday 23 June which starts at 7pm. Matinees run on Friday 25 June, Wednesday 30 June and Thursday 1 July at 1pm, and Saturday 26 June and Saturday 3 July at 2pm. Tickets start at £20, including the booking fee; schools are £15, with one free teacher for every ten pupils. The show plays in Venue B1 at the Belgrade.
