Unicorn Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company are delighted to announce the cast for Home Song

Unicorn Theatre, the national theatre for young audiences, and leading Black British theatre
pioneers Talawa Theatre Company are proud to announce the cast for Home Song. Starring in this
exciting new work will be Amina Gichinga (ABBA Voyage, O2) as Mother and Halle Brown (The
Crucible, National Theatre / Gielgud Theatre) as Adwoa. They will be supported by an exceptional
creative team in this multi-sensory production celebrating family, home, and heritage. Home Song
will premiere at the Unicorn Theatre (7 Feb – 9 Mar), and then play at Talawa Studio in Croydon
(14 – 29 Mar & 21 – 31 May), before embarking on a UK Tour.


Featuring magnificent puppetry, interactive soundscapes, and dynamic a cappella singing
throughout, Home Song creates a vivid musical experience for both adults and babies. The show
follows young Adwoa and her mum as they embark on a journey to find the true meaning of home,
from the bustling streets of Kumasi to the vibrant heart of London. With lively, upbeat percussion
and shared teachings of new rhythms, the production also incorporates sensory games and
activities, as well as a free playtime at the end.


Known for her innovative storytelling and integration of music into theatre, Home Song will be
created and directed by Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong (In the Deep, Almeida Theatre). The
creative team includes Designer Ruth Badila (Associate Assistant Designer, Kiln Theatre) and
Lighting Designer Aisha Oyedepo (Lighting Designer, Riviera Girl, National Theatre). Movement and
Puppetry Director will be Aimee Louise Bevan (Small Island, National Theatre), alongside Puppet
Makers Olivia Raconzer (The Tiger Who Came to Tea, UK Tour) and Emily Wright (The Tiger Who
Came to Tea, UK Tour).

Home Song has been devised through research and development sessions with families, led by the
Unicorn’s Creative Hub and Talawa Theatre Company’s Community Engagement team. Reflecting
the Unicorn and Talawa’s commitment to nurturing Early Years audiences, this production is both
accessible and stimulating, encouraging engagement and growth.


Incorporating children’s songs from Ghana and the Caribbean, audiences will experience a fresh
form of storytelling, as they embark on a journey from one home to another through music and
song. Actors will invite audiences to sing along, while babies are free to explore an interactive
musical playground that maps the journey from Ghana to the UK.


Writer, director and composer Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong said, Home Song was inspired by the
journey taken by my Grandma and Auntie in 1964, a story of migration shared by families across
the UK. It’s been joyous to invite local families and nursery groups to share in our creation of the
piece, and I’m most looking forward to the moments in the show where families are invited to sing
together, as well as welcoming babies to their first experience of theatre—a musical playground
where they’re free to explore and play!


Artistic Director for Unicorn Theatre Rachel Bagshaw commented, I am thrilled to partner with
Talawa, one of the most dynamic theatre companies in the UK, to create a new show for young
children as part of our Early Years programme. Taking Home Song on a UK tour will be an absolute
joy, allowing us to engage with an even wider audience. We are honoured to serve as an
introduction to children’s early theatrical journey, and we cherish the privilege of being their first
encounter with the world of live performance.

Dates
7th Feb – 9th March 2025 Unicorn Theatre (Clore), 147 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2HZ
Press performance: Thursday 13th February, 1.30pm
https://www.unicorntheatre.com/events/home-song


14th – 31st May 2025 Talawa Studio, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG
https://www.talawa.com/productions/home-song


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