Rudy's Rare Records

Starring Lenny Henry, and based on the BBC Radio 4 series, this touching, toe-tapping comedy is set in an old reggae record shop in Birmingham, which is owned by the irrepressible Rudy Sharpe with the assistance of his long-suffering son Adam.

With Rudy’s chaotic “if it ain’t on the shelf, it’s on the floor” style clashing with Adam’s love for order, the record shop becomes a battleground for both men. When Adam's son (E4 and YouTube star, Joivan Wade) comes back from uni, a whole new rhythm gets added to the mix! But when greedy developers spot the shop, father and son must put their differences aside and battle to keep the music alive.

Featuring music by Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley and the Sugarhill Gang – all played live by an onstage band.

Rudy’s Rare Records stars Lenny Henry, one of the country’s best loved personalities, who has recently established himself as a formidable actor (Othello – Trafalgar Studios, Evening Standard Best Newcomer Award, Comedy of Errors - National Theatre). The show is written by co-creator Danny Robins.

Schools and Youth Groups booking offer!

£10 tickets available for all performances (1 free teacher / leader per 10 tickets paid). Free pre-show workshops and cast Q&As are also available. Email [email protected] for full details.

Writer and co-creator Danny Robins
Dramaturg and co-creator Lenny Henry
Director Paulette Randall
Designer Libby Watson
Lighting Designer Mark Jonathan
Musical Director Joseph Roberts
Sound Designer Dan Hoole

Support your local record shop. Thanks to Flashback Records, 50 Essex Road, London N1 8LR for lending us their shop for our photoshoot.
Presented by Hackney Empire and Birmingham Repertory Theatre