theatreDECODED
BLACK. BRITISH. THEATRE. NORTH.
Theatre Decoded is a Black British theatre company based in the North of England led by artistic directors Testament and Dermot Daly.
Our first show will tour the UK in 2027, written by Testament, directed by Dermot Daly, with original music by multiple Grammy award winning songwriter, Corinne Bailey Rae.
TESTAMENT
An award winning writer, rapper and composer. He is the writer of the critically acclaimed Black Men Walking. Other theatre work includes credits with The Royal Court London, Leeds Playhouse, Opera North, Tamasha and Talawa. TV & radio work includes writing for BBC, Netflix and Disney+.
Testament is former writer in residence for Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester and a world record breaking beatboxer.
"Powerful, political, lyrical." The Stage on Black Men Walking
"Witty, innovative, and politically resonant." The Guardian on Black Men Walking
"A virtuoso display of wry humour and freewheeling musical invention." The Times on Black Men Walking
DERMOT DALY
A director and dramaturg with over 20 years' experience working with artists and theatres across the UK. Former Artistic Director of Freedom Studios in Bradford, he works across stage, screen and audio and has been nominated twice for Best Director at the Black British Theatre Awards.
He is deeply embedded in new writing and the development of emergent theatre and performance talent nationwide.
"Utter, exhilarating joy" WhatsOnStage on Bulling Techno Makeout Jamz
"Charming, witty and quietly poignant" Evening Standard on Bulling Techno Makeout Jamz
"There's an almost relentless intensity to Dermot Daly's direction, matching the urgency of the content." The Guardian on My Voice Was Heard But It Was Ignored