Something Dark

Shot through with lyrical beauty and sharp humour, Something Dark is a blast of light. It tells the story of Lemn’s upbringing after he was taken away from his Ethiopian mother in the 1960s.

He was renamed Norman Greenwood and nicknamed Chalky White throughout his turbulent childhood in care, only finding out his real name at the age of 18. No longer the possession of social services, he left the brutal suburbs of Lancashire for the bright lights of Manchester where he became a celebrated performance poet. Aged 21, Lemn left for Gambia in search of his mother and the truth about his father.

Something Dark is a solo performance of searing honesty, laced with secrets, lies and truths too terrible to mention and artistically influenced by Lemn’s background in poetry. Originally produced by Apples & Snakes.

“Written and performed by Lemn Sissay. Directed by John E McGrath. Something Dark is a triumph.”

The Scotsman

“Hugely enjoyable, inventive, funny and touching.”

The Guardian