Deep Azure – Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Deep Azure, written by the late Chadwick Boseman, who tragically passed away in 2020, is a haunting and deeply moving play. Inspired by the real-life killing of Boseman’s university peer, Prince Jones, the production chooses not to dwell on the events leading up to the tragedy, but instead explores its profound impact on friends, family, and peers. In today’s climate, the themes feel especially resonant, confronting grief, loss, and systemic injustice in a way that is both raw and intimate.

Selina Jones delivers a remarkable performance as Azure, the grieving girlfriend struggling with an eating disorder. Her portrayal is both heart-wrenching and compelling. The screams and sobs she unleashes, particularly at the end of the first act, are unforgettable. They are heightened by the acapella harmonies and soft hums of the ensemble, whose presence amplifies the emotional intensity without ever overwhelming the central performance.

The ensemble’s contribution is one of the play’s standout elements. Their beatboxing and vocal arrangements help to set the tone and immerse the audience in the story’s emotional landscape. However, while their performance was consistently impressive, the costume choices felt at odds with the production’s atmosphere. Futuristic, shiny outfits sometimes created a jarring contrast with the raw, human tragedy unfolding on stage, momentarily pulling the audience out of the world of the play.

The setting of Sam Wanamaker Playhouse further elevated the experience. The candlelit interior, the intricate wooden pews, and the beautifully detailed ceiling transformed the performance into an intimate, almost sacred encounter with theatre. The space itself felt like an essential part of the storytelling, enhancing the connection between audience and actors in a way that is rare in contemporary theatre.

Overall, Deep Azure is a powerful, emotionally charged play performed in one of London’s most enchanting venues. It is a story of grief, memory, and resilience, brought to life by an extraordinary cast and a sensitive, imaginative production team. For anyone with the chance to see it, this is a theatrical experience not to be missed, both deeply affecting and beautifully staged, leaving a lasting impression long after the curtain falls.

Deep Azure runs until 11^th April 2026 at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse with tickets available at Welcome to Shakespeare’s Globe | London.

Reviewer: Zain Russell

Reviewed: 17th February 2026

North West End UK Rating: