This autumn, Seven Dials Playhouse presents Origin Stories \u2013 a season of new productions that delve into the experiences, environments and questions that shape us. From queer firsts to family myths, monster metaphors to coming-of-age chaos, each show offers a distinct lens on what it means to look backwards in order to move forwards.<\/p>\n
The season continues Seven Dials Playhouse\u2019s evolution into a home for carefully curated, artist-centred programming, with a renewed focus on supporting the development and profile of new work. This is the venue\u2019s first major season of longer runs \u2013 allowing time for word-of-mouth to build and press coverage to land \u2013 and reflects a deeper commitment to artistic support beyond opening night.<\/p>\n
Four unforgettable stories about how we become who we are.<\/p>\n
The season kicks off with four shows in The House; Storms, Maybe Snow, a portrait of family, illness and legacy told with tenderness and sharp wit. This is followed by Monster, first staged at the Park Theatre in 2022, which explores how our pasts shape our actions and whether despicable acts can ever be forgiven. Next up is Daddy\u2019s First Gay Date, in which a late bloomer takes a nerve-wracking leap into queer dating. Closing the season is The Brown Ranger, which traces one boy\u2019s journey from playground to adulthood in a moving exploration of race, representation and identity.<\/p>\n
Alongside these productions, The Pen space is hosting a varied programme of shorter runs, including stand-up comedy and work in progress shows.
These include Somali-centred Maanta Comedy Night, showcasing comedians from Somali, Black, Asian and other minority backgrounds, andChtinois; a witty and whimsical one-man show about identity, belonging, and the impossible choice between French and Chinese cuisine \u2013 performed entirely in French by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Gheung.<\/p>\n
More shows are to be announced soon.<\/p>\n
All shows are presented on a door split basis with no hire fees, part of a supportive model that prioritises partnership, creative autonomy, and sustainability for artists. Each production has been selected for its distinct voice, thematic resonance and potential to connect \u2013 emotionally, politically, or viscerally \u2013 with audiences.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis season marks a really exciting moment for us. We\u2019ve been building towards a more sustainable, supportive way of working with artists, and Origin Stories brings that vision to life. With longer runs, curated partnerships and a financial model that prioritises artist support, we\u2019re creating space for bold, brilliant theatre to thrive. I can\u2019t wait to welcome audiences in.\u201d
\u2013 Amanda Davey, Chief Executive<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so proud of this season. Each show in Origin Stories is completely different in tone and form, but they all dig deep into the question of how we become who we are. There\u2019s so much humour, heart and originality in this programme \u2013 and it means a lot to be able to give these stories the time and care they deserve. It\u2019s going to be a powerful few months.\u201d
\u2013 Katie Pesskin, Creative Director<\/p>\n
Origin Stories | Listings<\/p>\n
Storms, Maybe Snow
16 \u2013 20 September 2025
Written and directed by Miranda Lapworth<\/p>\n
Love isn\u2019t always easily understood \u2013 least of all by those suffering from it.<\/p>\n
Lou and Jack have a long history, filled with jokes and rituals that have evolved over the years. Jack counters Lou\u2019s spikiness and morose pessimism at her recent diagnosis with good humour and midnight feasts. His greatest challenge is guiding his own birthday dinner through the choppy waters of Lou and their daughter Mariana\u2019s antagonism, cheerfully abetted by Mariana\u2019s partner, Isobel.<\/p>\n
But their world of banter and brave resolve comes crashing down on a rainy night, as lifelong bitterness and anger boil over and hidden truths creep into the light.<\/p>\n
\u201cA truly glorious play. It is a gem.\u201d \u2013 Greg Wise
\u201cHighly commended\u201d \u2013 The National Theatre<\/p>\n
Maanta Comedy Night
19 & 20 September 2025<\/p>\n
Launching with two electric evenings of stand-up this September and curated by Maanta Theatre \u2013 a British Somali-led company championing underrepresented voices \u2013 Maanta Comedy Night showcases comedians from Somali, Black, Asian, and other minority backgrounds.
Hosted by British Somali comedian and co-creator of the Abti Podcast Hamsa Ahmed and featuring 2022 Funny Women Awards finalist Fathiya Saleh, BBC New Comedy Awards nominee Diesel, Chortle Student Comedy finalist Mohaimen Quaunine and viral TikTok comic Bamph.<\/p>\n
Monster
24 September \u2013 18 October 2025
By Abigail Hood, directed by Kevin Tomlinson<\/p>\n
Glasgow, 2006. An abandoned playground. Troubled teenagers Kayleigh Grey and Zoe Douglas are flirting, playing dare, and fantasising about running away together to the Isle of Muck.<\/p>\n
Despite being warned to stay away, teacher Miss Hastie is inexplicably drawn into the two girls\u2019 orbit of chaos. When Kayleigh\u2019s mother, Hazel, attempts to keep her under her manipulative spell, the consequences are far worse than anyone could have imagined.
Monster is a thrilling contemporary play exploring the need for love and the powerful forces at play behind random acts of violence. How much control do we have over who we are and what we become? Does the past define our future? Can we ever escape our mistakes \u2013 or are we doomed to be haunted, hounded and hunted forever?<\/p>\n
The show received its world premiere at Park Theatre in 2022, where it was nominated for three OFFIE Awards (Best New Play, Best Lead Performance, Best Supporting Performance), and won Best Supporting Performance. It now returns for a revival at Seven Dials Playhouse.<\/p>\n
Chtinois
10 & 11 October 2025
Written and performed entirely in French by Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Gheung.<\/p>\n
At the age of 8, little Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric (who was still 1.80m tall) was asked to choose his side: French gastronomy or Chinese gastronomy. Refusing to make this unbearable choice, he has since lived on the fringes of society, wearing a mask at family gatherings or refusing to show his colleagues the contents of his lunch box.<\/p>\n
In this seasoned one-man show, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric will talk to you about Ch\u2019ti, Chinese, Colombia, and perhaps food too. You\u2019ll leave with a fine example of a happy blend.<\/p>\n
Daddy\u2019s First Gay Date
28 October \u2013 16 November 2025
By Sam Danson, directed by Nikki Beadle-Blair<\/p>\n
Is it selfish to leave someone you love in order to find yourself?<\/p>\n
Ben\u2019s hoping his first date with a man can provide him with some much-needed answers \u2013 but is he expecting too much?<\/p>\n
An uncomfortable restaurant break-up becomes a pressure-cooker first date in this new comedy by Sam Danson (BI-TOPIA), directed by the award-winning Rikki Beadle-Blair.<\/p>\n
From a local village pub to a big gay rave in the city, Daddy\u2019s First Gay Date takes audiences on a Northern rom-com rollercoaster, exploring identity, self-acceptance and coming out as LGBT later in life. Starring Dior Clarke, Megan Edmondson and Sam Danson. Originally commissioned by Creative Industries Trafford.<\/p>\n
The Brown Ranger
18 \u2013 30 November 2025
Written by Ben Clark, directed by Rebecca Goh<\/p>\n
Superhuman powers. Effortless charm. Brilliant brown suit.<\/p>\n
A hero that laughs in the face of danger, helps those in need, and keeps his cool under fire. But something\u2019s not quite right.<\/p>\n
What starts as a nostalgic hero\u2019s journey slowly shifts and deepens, unfolding into an emotional odyssey of self-discovery that oozes nostalgia, exploring the intricate relationship between imagination, media representation, and mixed-race identity.<\/p>\n
A brand-new solo show, brought to life through a captivating blend of movement, striking visuals, and an original score, The Brown Ranger is a question that asks us what it means to find your place in a world that\u2019s not sure how to define you.<\/p>\n
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