It has been announced that the Live Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne will reopen next month with Shine, the acclaimed debut production by rapper and rising star Kema Sikazwe, updated with new songs and content for 2021. The production is set to run at the Quayside venue from 2 to 18 September. 

Shine is a unique and personal coming of age story that follows a family who find themselves in new surroundings and what happens when their new life begins to fall apart. With an electrifying soundtrack, Shine asks what makes us who we are and whether the choices in our lives determine who we become. 

Sikazwe draws on his experiences growing up in Newcastle, dealing with bullying and mental health problems, exploring his story and struggles through music, acting and the spoken word. His songs delve into his journey and aim to inspire others facing hardship.

He said: ‘Bringing Shine back is important as I don’t think we finished telling the story back in 2019, and it feels so much more relevant now. It’s about celebrating difference and keeping your head when your world is exploding around you-something that everyone can relate to right now.”

Tickets for Shine are now available here.