By Ta-Nehisi CoatesLauryn Ajufo, a prominent British actress, is poised to take the stage as the lead in a revival of Michaela Coel's seminal debut play, "Chewing Gum Dreams." This production represents a significant milestone, being the play's first return to the U.K. stage since its initial critically acclaimed run. The play, a semi-autobiographical work that laid the groundwork for Coel's successful television series, offers a poignant and humorous exploration of a young woman's journey through self-discovery and the complexities of growing up. Ajufo's involvement brings a fresh perspective to this beloved narrative, promising a captivating theatrical experience.
Acclaimed Actress Lauryn Ajufo Takes Center Stage in "Chewing Gum Dreams" Revival at Theatre503 This Fall
In a highly anticipated announcement made on July 6, 2026, British actress Lauryn Ajufo, who earned a British Independent Film Award nomination for her performance in "Boiling Point," has been cast in the central role of Tracey Gordon for the upcoming revival of Michaela Coel's groundbreaking debut play, "Chewing Gum Dreams." The production is a collaborative effort between Theatre503 and the British African heritage theatre company tiata fahodzi.
Coel's one-woman play, which originated as her final-year project at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, first premiered in 2012 at London's The Yard Theatre before transferring to The Shed at the National Theatre in 2014. It later inspired Coel's acclaimed television series, also titled "Chewing Gum."
The revival will be staged at Theatre503, located in London, and is set to run from September 10 to October 3, 2026. Ajufo will portray Tracey Gordon, a religiously devout virgin who embarks on a journey to explore her sexuality and understand the world around her. The play is characterized as an intense, humorous, and heartfelt narrative that delves into themes of first love, the final days of schooling, and the pivotal moments that shape an individual's identity.
Award-winning artistic director of Theatre503, Anthony Simpson-Pike, will helm this new production. Simpson-Pike's impressive directorial credits include the Olivier-Award winning "The P Word," "Lava" (which garnered a best director nomination at the Black British Theatre Awards), and "Grenfell: in the Words of survivors" presented at the National Theatre and St Anne’s Warehouse in New York.
Ajufo expressed her excitement about the role, stating her honor in stepping into Michaela Coel's original shoes and her eagerness to collaborate with Simpson-Pike and the Theatre503 team to breathe new life into the play. Michaela Coel herself has voiced her enthusiasm for the revival, acknowledging Theatre503's early support for "Chewing Gum Dreams" and expressing her excitement for its return. Due to exceptional demand, the run of the play has already been extended.
The creative team behind the revival includes Yimei Zhao as set and costume designer, Christopher Nairne as lighting designer, Xana as sound designer, Heather Basten CDG as casting director, and Theophilus O. Bailey as movement director.
Chinonyerem Odimba, CEO and artistic director of tiata fahodzi, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Theatre503, emphasizing its role in promoting an important work within the Black British theatrical canon and demonstrating the audience's appetite for profoundly human and innovative new theatrical writing.
The revival of "Chewing Gum Dreams" not only offers a platform for Lauryn Ajufo's remarkable talent but also serves as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of Michaela Coel's original work. It underscores the importance of theatrical spaces that nurture emerging voices and bring impactful stories to diverse audiences. The collaboration between Theatre503 and tiata fahodzi exemplifies a commitment to celebrating Black British artistic heritage and pushing the boundaries of contemporary theater, promising a vibrant and thought-provoking experience for all attendees.
