Brixton Calling an Ode to the Brixton Academy

Brixton Calling is inspired by Live at the Brixton Academy, the bestselling memoir by Simon Parkes. It tells the remarkable true story of a naive but determined 23-year-old who, in 1983, bought a derelict cinema for just £1. Parkes transformed the crumbling space into the Brixton Academy, now the O2 Academy Brixton, the world-renowned music venue we know today. The show runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 23 July to 16 August, just fifteen minutes from where it all began.

Max and Tendai jamming in rehearsals

Set across the 80s and 90s, Brixton Calling explores a time of political unrest and cultural transformation. The play follows Simon’s youthful optimism as he navigates race, class, ableism and the gritty realities of the music industry. All while building one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Through his eyes, we witness how idealism and hustle can cut through elitism and exclusion.

This dynamic two-man show is brought to life by powerhouse performances from Max Runham and Tendai Humphrey Sitima. Runham, who plays Parkes, also performs on guitar, capturing Simon’s charm, awkwardness, and his code-switching between working-class disablism and upper-class privilege. Both Runham and Parkes were born with one arm, adding an authentic and poignant layer to the story. Sitima plays multiple supporting roles with commanding presence and fluidity. Transitioning effortlessly from imposing figures employing nuanced physicality to emotionally complex roles.

The show peels back the curtain on the music world’s elitism, where once the idea of global stars performing in Brixton was unimaginable. That changed when Fela Kuti became the first artist to perform at the Brixton Academy on November 12th, 1983. Instantly granting the venue cultural credibility. A particularly serendipitous moment reveals how one of Britain’s biggest rock bands The Clash, insisted on playing at the Brixton Academy, after seeing Fela perform live, despite their management’s reluctance. It’s one of many unforgettable stories brought to the stage.

The 80s and 90s were a golden era for music and a volatile time politically, and Brixton was a pressure point. Simon’s proximity to it all fueled the venue's social standing and cultural significance. Beyond the music, The Brixton Academy became host to resistance and justice.

At just 90 minutes, Brixton Calling covers an extraordinary amount but it actually leaves you leaving with more questions on how some of the series of obstacles were overcome. But maybe that’s the point. On the way home, I found myself deep-diving online, wanting to learn everything I could about the Brixton Academy’s legacy.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself at a gig hosted at O2 Academy Brixton then you might find this a great time capsule to understand how a naive 23-year-old was able to take a derelict cinema and turn it into one of the most iconic buildings in London. 

Where: Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BD Performance Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2025 Times: Monday – Saturday 7.30pm, Tuesday & Saturday 3pm