A free, interactive family theatre show exploring the stories of Black British history will visit Stoke-on-Trent this November.

Alicia’s Amazing Adventure to Find the First Black Britons takes place at St Mark’s Church in Shelton on Tuesday 3 November at 4pm, inviting children and their families to embark on a magical, time-travelling journey through the past.

Created and performed by actor and theatre-maker Alicia McKenzie, whose credits include the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Northern Broadsides, the production combines bold visuals, playful storytelling and audience participation to explore themes of race, identity and belonging.

Inspired by McKenzie’s own childhood experiences and a desire to share the stories she wished she had heard growing up, the show encourages audiences to ask questions, solve clues, discover objects and interact with characters along the way. Music, dance and problem-solving also feature in the experience.

McKenzie said the idea grew from a childhood conversation with a teacher about why people have different coloured skin, which left her questioning how race and British identity are understood and discussed.

The production is directed by award-winning theatre-maker Cheryl Martin, with dramaturgy by Dermot Daly. Music is composed by Nathan McKenzie and Paul Kagondo, while Bolu Dairo designs the set and costumes and Joanne Bernard leads movement direction.

Tickets are free, with families welcome to drop in on the day without booking.

For more information, follow the show on Instagram.

Photo credit: Jenny Harper