Between the Heartbeats is a Pride concert for Black queer joy at King's Head

Black queer joy takes centre stage at King's Head Theatre this Pride

Between the Heartbeats is a live concert celebrating Black queer performers in the West End, produced by Olivier Award nominee Emmanuel Akwafo. One night only, 28 June 2026.

Emmanuel Akwafo knows what Pride was built on. The Olivier Award nominated producer of For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy brings Between the Heartbeats to King's Head Theatre on 28 June, a concert created specifically to celebrate Black queer artistry, resilience and presence in British theatre.

The lineup is strong. West End performers Tosh Wanogho-Maud, Jeevan Braich, Ivano Turco, Shanay Holmes, Paige Peddie, Jazz Terry, Angela Marie Hurst, Laura Delaney, Lauren Azania, Cameron Drews and Christopher Patten-Walker share the stage. Two newly graduated performers making their Pride concert debut join them, a deliberate choice by the creative team to place emerging Black queer talent alongside established names. Musical Director is Sean Green. Host is Steven Luemba. Co-producer is Marcus Collick, whose credits include Dracula and Zanna, Don't!

Akwafo has been direct about why this event exists. Queer visibility has expanded, he says, but so has the hostility, particularly towards trans communities. Pride began as resistance and this concert does not forget that. A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to a Black LGBTQ+ charity.

No Names Creatives, the London collective behind the production, describes the evening as explosive vocals, intimate storytelling and electrifying live performance. That sells it short. Between the Heartbeats is also a statement about an industry that has long taken from Black creativity while sidelining Black queer bodies. The concert makes no apology for naming that.

King's Head Theatre, 28 June 2026, 7pm.

Tickets at kingsheadtheatre.com.