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The Legends of Them tells the extraordinary life story of Sutara Gayle, also known as Lorna Gee, the writer and performer behind the Offie Award-winning show. Coming to HOME Manchester on 18th of October, this deeply personal work revisits her journey through the vibrant world of reggae sound systems such as Saxone, Coxsone and Nasty Rockers, and her rise as one of the pioneering female deejays of 1980s London.
Charting her path through the city’s dynamic reggae scene, The Legends of Them captures the remarkable story of a woman who broke boundaries. A chance encounter with Linton Kwesi Johnson while waiting in a dole queue inspired Sutara to write her first single, Three Weeks Gone (Mi Giro), which she later heard for the first time on the radio while serving a short sentence in Holloway Prison.
The life story of Sutara Gayle – The Legends of Them
The Legends of Them comes to HOME
Her follow-up single Got To Find A Way stayed in the reggae charts for six weeks, earning her the BBC Radio London Reggae Awards for Best Female Artist in both 1985 and 1986, and later, the 1992 New York Tamika Reggae Award for Best Female Deejay.
We caught up with Sutara to learn more about the show and her extraordinary life.
Reflecting on her journey bringing The Legends of Them to the stage, Sutara explained: “It’s been very difficult, challenging, but because it’s truthful, it’s been almost smooth sailing at the same time.”
She praises the team that helped bring her vision to life: “The creatives behind the show are just remarkable. They’re the reason it’s been realised in the way it has.”
The process has been an emotional one: “There have been a lot of cathartic moments in the rehearsal room: plenty of tears, joy, and a real sense of fulfilment.”
What are Sutara’s standout career moments?
Sutara Gayle
When asked about standout moments in her career, Sutara shares her top five:
- Recognition for her music: “Being nominated for Best Female Artist at the 1986 BBC Reggae Awards for Gotta Find a Way was incredibly special. It was one of the first times I truly felt that people were listening to my music and connecting with my voice.”
- Using music to inspire change: “Performing at Artists Against Apartheid in Clapham Common in 1988 was the biggest show of my career. More than the size of the audience, it was the realisation that music has the power to unite people and inspire change.”
- Returning to education: “Graduating from drama school at 40 was a personal triumph. It reminded me that it’s never too late to follow your dreams or start a new chapter.”
- Meeting an icon: “A bonus highlight – meeting Angela Bassett backstage after playing GG in The Tina Turner Musical. She came to see the show, and when she greeted me with a kiss on the cheek, it was surreal – a dream come true.”
On black history and representation
When asked how she’d improve awareness of key Black historical figures, Sutara responds passionately: “Black History Month should last all year. Children should grow up learning about people like Mary Seacole, Nanny of the Maroons, Olaudah Equiano, Claudia Jones, and so many others.”
The story also touches on personal and historical pain. In 1985, Sutara’s sister Cherry Groce was shot by police, an event that triggered the second Brixton Uprising. This tragic moment provides the socio-political backdrop to her compelling narrative.
Faith, healing and inspiration
Where does Sutara find her strength and motivation?
“My faith and belief in God keep me grounded. I’m more spiritual than religious, but I’ve learnt that someone is watching over me. No matter how deep or dark things get, I know a higher power is looking out for me – and that’s what keeps me going.”
As for what inspired her to write The Legends of Them, she explained: “I never planned it. It came to me while on a spiritual retreat in India. I didn’t set out to chronicle my life, but the storyteller in me knew I needed to get these stories out. So many things just started to surface.”
She continued: “I felt disconnected from who I thought I was, so I had to start rediscovering that person. That’s how the story was born.”
Who are Sutara Gayle’s musical heroes?
Music has shaped every part of Sutara’s journey. She names her key influences: “Caroll Thompson, when I first heard Hopelessly in Love, it helped me connect with my own romantic feelings as a young woman. Songs like Hopelessly in Love, Simply in Love, I’m So Sorry, they were the soundtrack to my youth.”
She adds: “Bob Marley, because his music spoke to the fighter, the warrior, in me.”
And finally: “Millie Jackson, she spoke to the conversationalist and the poet in me. She represented women’s empowerment, brought the fire, and made it okay to fight back, hell yeah!”
A passion for performance and storytelling
Sutara is passionate about live performance and storytelling.
“I love seeing great stories unfold on stage. One recent favourite was Superwoman at the Bush Theatre, a two-hander with Letitia Wright and Golda Rosheuvel. It was such a powerful story about love, grief, and resilience.”
How does it feel to bring your story to the stage?
How does it feel to see her life story come alive in the theatre? “It’s thrilling, I have to pinch myself sometimes,” she admitted. “When you write a play, you constantly question yourself, is it too indulgent? Why would people want to hear my story? Is it good enough? But the truth of the story, and the need to face it head on, outweighed any self-doubt.”
She added, “I’ve been a reggae artist for more than 40 years and played in many of these cities back in the ’80s and early ’90s. There’s still a huge reggae community, and I’m so excited for everyone to come out and see how far we’ve all come. It’s going to be amazing.”
What can audiences expect at The Legends of Them?
When The Legends of Them arrives at HOME, Sutara promises a show full of authenticity and representation, a celebration of culture, resilience, and truth.
The Legends of Them is at HOME on 18th October and can be booked here.
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