Black Is The Color Of My Voice

Written by Apphia Campbell

Thursday 22 October

James Seabright presents Black Is The Color Of My Voice, written by Apphia Campbell and inspired by the life of Nina Simone, featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live.

Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

The show has toured the UK and Australia to standing ovations and played sell-out seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh and the West End of London.

Winner: Best Theatre Award, Adelaide Fringe 2024

★★★★ “Breathtaking… a lyrical gift” – Sydney Theatre Reviews
★★★★ “Moving portrayal of determination and survival.” – The Times
★★★★★ “Nothing short of sensational…will make you cheer for her, smile with her and then sting your eyes with tears.” – Broadway Baby
★★★★ “A compelling and heartbreaking story, punctuated with bursts of song.” – Ed Festival Magazine
★★★★★ “Captivates the audience throughout.” – The Skinny
★★★★★ “Utterly mesmerising…powerful and timely.” – Musical Theatre Review
★★★★ “A show that should be seen, with music and messages that deserve to be heard.” – British Theatre Guide
★★★★ “Performed with tenderness, strength and absolute mastery” – All Edinburgh Theatre
★★★★★ “Never have I seen an audience so captivated as when Apphia Campbell took the stage. If I could give Black is the Color of my Voice ten stars, I would… Exquisite.” – Voice
★★★★★ “A mesmerising performance…nothing short of perfection.” – The Student
★★★★★ “Wonderful piece of writing.” – North West End UK
★★★★★ “A resonant performance from an exceptional talent… dazzling exploration of the life and times of Nina Simone.” – Broadway Baby 2022
★★★★ “Apphia Campbell is an incredible performer and gives a magnetic performance.” – One4Review
★★★★★ “Hauntingly beautiful” – Theatre Weekly (WINNER – Best Play – Theatre Weekly’s Best of the Fest 2023)
★★★★★ “Masterfully executed, adding power to the gripping narrative” – Theatre & Tonic
“A soul-stirring experience…mesmerising” – Beyond the Encore
“Captivating…stunning” – Theatre Travels Adelaide
★★★★★ “A tour de force performance” – Weekend Notes Adelaide
“A performance of remarkable range, skill and passion” – Sussex World
★★★★★ “A well crafted and brilliantly executed show” “It would be difficult to find a better one-woman show than this” – StageTalk Magazine
★★★★★ “Masterpiece…intense and intimate, and thoroughly recommended” – Morning Star
★★★★★ “Vibrant, poignant and full of soul” – A Young(ish) Perspective

Photo by Peter Dibdin: Apphia Campbell in the original production.