The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho with Paterson Joseph
Meet Charles Ignatius Sancho: his extraordinary story, of a man born on a slave ship who became the first black Briton to vote, has been hidden for three hundred years. Now, his tale will finally be told, live on stage by beloved British actor and writer Paterson Joseph.
Celebrating the publication of his debut book The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, Joseph brings the legend of the young Black man to life through his vivid, verbal imagination and dramatic readings. In huge, warm, real voice Joseph will make us look at the past world from another perspective, effortlessly bridging the gap between our time and Sancho’s. Expressed through music, language and love, history will fall away as the audience is immersed in this thrilling, throat-catching wonder of a story.
It's 1746 and Georgian London is not a safe place for a young Black man, especially one who has escaped slavery. After the twinkling lights in the Fleet Street coffee shops are blown out and the great houses have closed their doors for the night, Sancho must dodge slave catchers and worse.
So how does Charles Ignatius Sancho meet the King, write and play highly acclaimed music, become the first Black person to vote in Britain and lead the fight to end slavery? It's time for him to tell his story, one that begins on a tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, and ends at the very centre of London life. And through it all, he must ask: born amongst death, how much can you achieve in one short life?
With Paterson’s characteristic dazzling energy and brilliant panache, set in the beautiful surroundings of a 17th century church, this promises to be a moving and magical evening.