Worklight Theatre

A funny, moving and true story about mixed heritage and immigration. Joe Sellman-Leava recounts his childhood in 90's rural Devon in light of changing political attitudes and the ongoing refugee crisis.

Worklight Theatre’s award-winning show Labels draws on writer and performer Joe Sellman-Leava’s experiences of being mixed heritage to explore broader issues of racism, immigration and displacement. Labels examines how we use words, the line between curiosity and fear, and the rise of anti-immigration rhetoric.

Despite being born in Gloucestershire, Sellman-Leava grew up constantly being asked where he was really from. Cheltenham! Here, he calls for a fairer, more open-minded society, using his own stories to open a wider discussion about the way we talk about, think about and treat our fellow human beings.

A mixture of stand-up comedy, storytelling and poetry, the show won a Scotsman Fringe First Award and the Holden Street Theatre Award 2015.

Described by Oscar-winning writer and actress Emma Thompson as “Powerful, important and funny”.