The infamous story of Simon 'The King of Gigs' Parkes and the Brixton Academy is set to hit the stage at the Southwark Playhouse Borough.
The co-author of the bestselling memoir Live At The Brixton Academy famously bought the venue for just £1 in 1983 and transformed it into one of Britain’s most iconic music venues, playing host to the likes of New Order, The Smiths, and James Brown.
Now his remarkable life has inspired a hit stage show Brixton Calling, which is returning for a major seven-week London run from 22 January until 13 March 2027 at Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Large Auditorium).
Directed by Bronagh Lagan (Olivier Award nominated ‘Cruise’), Brixton Calling tells the extraordinary story of the venue’s rise through the eyes of the people who were there.
Reprising their powerhouse and award-winning roles are actor-musicians Max Runham and Tendai Sitima. Trading lightning-fast dialogue while seamlessly shredding on guitars, the pair capture the true riotous spirit of the music scene. Their performance honours the deep bond between Simon Parkes and Johnny Lawes, the kindred spirits who built the iconic South London venue from the ground up. Accompanying the duo on stage is stellar musician Nadine Lee who has played with the likes of Self Esteem, Lizzo and Stormzy. Lee’s addition injects a surge of live gig energy blurring the line between theatre and a raw concert experience.
Simon Parkes says: “Seeing my life and the wild history of the Brixton Academy explode onto the stage during the 2025 run was incredibly surreal.
"As someone who also navigates the world with one arm, seeing Max bring that same physical reality to the stage adds an undeniable level of authenticity.
"He creates an instant, powerful connection to the story. I can't wait to see this larger, louder version blow audiences away.”
The official tagline claims: 'Part live gig, part memoir, part fever dream, this is a true story of rock ’n’ roll survival… insofar as anyone can remember it!'
For booking and further information go to www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/brixton-calling/
