A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

Drum

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  2m

Jacob Roberts-Mensah

“A civilization flourishes when men plant trees under which they themselves never sit. What you need to understand is, Ghana is home."

Drum

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    60 minutes (1 hour)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14-18)
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! 2024 Untapped Award

Details

Summary

As the afternoon sun hits London’s BBC Broadcasting House, photographer James Barnor encounters broadcaster Mike Eghan for the first time. Thrown together far from home, two rising Ghanaian creatives navigate their perception of identity, success, assimilation and home. Inspired by real events, this joyful and poignant play fuses storytelling, music and dance, capturing a unique snapshot of the swinging sixties.

Publishing in conjunction with the run at Underbelly, Cowgate, Edinburgh Fringe from 1st August.

History
Drum was first produced by Our Day and Omnibus Theatre, and premiered at Omnibus Theatre in September 2022. The show was subsequently produced by Our Day and New Diorama Theatre, and opened at Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe on 1 August 2024.
Performing Groups
MIKE EGHAN – 30, Ghanaian, BBC Radio Presenter
JAMES BARNOR – 38, Ghanaian, Photographer
  • Time Period 1960s
  • Setting BBC Studios. 1967.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 60 minutes (1 hour)

Media

“Compelling writing.” – The Stage

“Passionate” – The Stage

“Roberts-Mensah is a fantastic playwright, capable of painting characters with rich, multi-faceted hues. DRUM is an unfussy debate-play with a lot to say, and leaving even more for the audience to chew on.” – WhatsOnStage

“This delightful piece of theatre is a joyous and lively celebration of Ghanian culture and music.” – Arts Hub

“A fascinating insight into the mindset of trailblazers James Barnor and Mike Eghan.” – The British Blacklist

“Uplifting and infectious.” – Everything Theatre

“DRUM is a delight… There's honesty, affection, humour and seriousness... It's a small slice of history.” – Events London

“It was such a joy to watch!” – Lost in Theatreland

“This is an essential story about both Britain and Ghana that mustn’t be lost.” – Theatre Weekly

“Sets the bar really high.” – A Young-ish Perspective

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

2024 Edinburgh Fringe Spotlight
Matt Law
30 July 2024

Licensing & Materials



  • This title is not currently available for performance. To be informed as soon as it becomes available in the future, please submit a license application.

Scripts

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Authors

Jacob Roberts-Mensah

Jacob Roberts-Mensah
Jacob Roberts-Mensah is a Ghanaian-British writer and producer, working across theatre and audio. His play DRUM premiered at Omnibus Theatre in 2022. Credits also include the fiction podcast, DEM TIMES, produced by his company, Our Day.
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