- The production - brought to life by the BAFTA-winning producer Rochelle Newman of New Duke Films - premiered last Friday for one-night only and drew in a crowd of over 200 local residents, including the Mayor of Southwark.
- Audience members also had the opportunity to meet NHS staff and ask questions about prostate cancer and discuss cancer checks and tests more broadly.
A powerful new theatre production, Barbershop Uncut Stories, premiered last Friday for one-night-only at Peckham Theatre, in Southwark, to shine a light on the experiences of Black men affected by prostate cancer.
The play – which was set in a barbershop – featured real-life barber, Anderson Boyce and his three clients – Jeff Thompson, Paul Campbell and Wayne Campbell – who are all survivors of prostate cancer. Together, they retold their personal journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery with humour and vulnerability, alongside a cast of professional actors.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and Black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed than other men. The condition is often not discussed in Black communities due to a range of factors, including cultural stigma, a fear of discussing health issues related to masculinity and lower trust in healthcare providers due to past negative experiences. These factors contribute to delays in diagnosis and can lead to the cancer being found at a later stage.
The bold and heart-warming production was brought to life by BAFTA-winning Rochelle Newman of New Duke Films and overseen by Production Manager, Lorna Jones. The play was first performed earlier this year, at the C& Hair conference in Croydon, where it received great acclaim and feedback. Lorna Jones – who is also the CEO of Caring for Hair Trichology Clinic – was keen that the play be brought to local communities across South East London, to raise awareness of prostate cancer and spark conversations about the importance of early cancer diagnosis.
Following the performance, audience members were invited to join an after-show panel discussion, featuring the cast and local healthcare professionals, to explore the themes raised and discuss prostate cancer awareness and men’s health.
The event was developed in collaboration with the NHS South East London Cancer Alliance and Southwark Council and welcomed over 200 local residents.
Lorna Jones, Production Manager for Barbershop Uncut Stories and CEO for Caring for Hair Trichology Clinic, said: “Working with BAFTA-winning producer and director Rochelle Newman has been an incredible experience. Her exceptional talent, creative vision and understanding have brought depth and authenticity to these important stories as we translate them to the stage.
“Through this production, I hope we can spark meaningful conversations about prostate cancer and men’s health in the Black communities — helping to challenge stigma, raise awareness, and promote early detection.”
Prostate cancer survivor Jeff Thompson - one of the three local survivors who told their story on stage – said: “I found it empowering and inspiring to be on stage, sharing my story. The message that I would like to leave with attendees: talking is the first step to your healing. Don't let fear and embarrassment be the death of you.”
In South East London, the NHS South East London Cancer Alliance has been working in partnership with local health advocates, patients and faith leaders from Black communities to encourage Black men aged 45 and over to talk their GP about their risk of prostate cancer.
Dr Anthony Cunliffe, Joint Clinical Director at the South East London Cancer Alliance and the National Lead GP Adviser for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “With over a quarter of our population in South East London being from Black African and Black Caribbean communities, it is vital that we engage in meaningful conversations with these residents about the importance of cancer screenings or checks and how taking action early can save lives.
“We hope this heart-warming performance, which captured what it means to live with and beyond cancer, will encourage conversations about prostate cancer within our Black communities and importantly, encourage Black men aged 45 and over to speak to their GP about their risk.
“Early detection remains the most crucial factor in improving cancer outcomes, and we encourage everyone to take proactive steps towards their health.”