Black is the Color of My Voice

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Theatre (music, solo show)

  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies are not allowed in the venue
  • Policy applies to: Children under 2 years

Description

Direct from sell-out shows, an extensive UK tour and London season, Fringe First award winner Apphia Campbell returns in her stunning solo show inspired by the life of Nina Simone. 'Campbell may wear Simone's trademark head wrap but her performance goes beyond impersonation' **** (Times). 'Apphia Campbell is nothing short of sensational... she will make you cheer for her, smile with her and then sting your eyes with tears' ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). 'A compelling and heartbreaking story, punctuated with bursts of song' **** (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine).

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General venue access

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: Lift access to level minus 2. Early access offered where possible.

    • Wheelchair access type: Building Lift

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info

How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Kate Adams 35 days ago

Stunning and emotional in equal measure! We were captivated from the opening note until the last. What a talented lady. If you only see one show at the festival, make it this one!

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Samantha Cedermark 38 days ago

What a talent! What a voice! Compelling, emotive and a joy to watch. Brilliant interpretation of the Nina Simone story.

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G Millar 38 days ago

A wonderful show. Thank you Apphia, you were incredible. And so is Nina.

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Jonathon Sleeper 39 days ago

Such a powerful performance from a solo artist. Highly impactful and a stunning voice. One to remember from the festival this year.

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Megan Kerr 39 days ago

I cried during the beginning, middle and end. Stellar performance and captivating storytelling. Apphia's vocals felt like the last hour of the golden sun before descending for the night, a warm sonic glow. I wish I didn't see the final show so I could bring all of my friends along and see it again! Worth every single penny and more!

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PJ Vickers (ZAV) 39 days ago

Just saw this...
Dramatised biographies are tricky: we watch for the star, but the star’s not there. That said, here we have a first rate performance, in a well-crafted show - sympathetic, proud, damaged and determined - with excellent renditions and reinventions of several Nina Simone classics. This no simple musical review, but a touching story of a Nina’s struggle to belong in a world of personal, political and social rejection - to wield her strength, to find her place, to harmonise her remarkable talent with her powerful need to love and be loved. Excellent.

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Jay 44 days ago

This was our first show at the 2022 Fringe and by far the best we have seen. Powerful, poignant, and evocative.

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Alison Russell 45 days ago

This is the kind of show that makes coming to the Fringe entirely worthwhile. Campbell returns an incredible performance that had me “eating out of her hand” from start to finish. One of the best things I have seen in Edinburgh this year.

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KathyMM 45 days ago

Powerful, moving performance, with moments of humour and deeply moving elements. Gorgeous vocals were the highlight. If more of those could be appropriately added to the first half it would be utterly perfect. But already gorgeous and highly recommended

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Tracey 48 days ago

A beautifully crafted performance:  Joyfully exploring periods of Nina Simone's life with a real sensitivity and depth.

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John P 50 days ago

A really outstanding, beautiful and powerful performance, I could easily have sat there for another hour or more - brilliant and probably my favourite show so far in this year's Fringe. Please go and see the truly incredible artist and performer that is Apphia Campbell.

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Sharon Alexander 51 days ago

Powerful portrayal of Nina Simone with deep alto vocals effortlessly interspersed. Don’t miss this masterful performance.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

Broadway Baby (5/5 stars) 42 days ago

Intelligent narrative choices and a resonant performance from an exceptional talent make for a dazzling exploration of the life and times of the prodigiously talented and often troubled musician, Nina Simone.

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One4Review (4/5 stars) 43 days ago

‘Black is the Color of my Voice’ gives a different perspective of one of the most influential and revered musicians of the 20th century. Although there are incredibly painful moments in the play, including a harrowing account of domestic violence, the show ends on a rendition of ‘Feeling Good’ that will truly leave you feeling good.

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Voice Magazine (5/5 stars) 45 days ago

It will be the best hour and ten minutes you have ever spent in a theatre.

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North West End UK (5/5 stars) 47 days ago

Black is the Colour My Voice is more than a biographical piece for Nina Simone fans, it is a big breath of human vitality, achievement against the odds and anguish. I can do nothing other than pour accolade upon accolade upon the head of a talented, raw, brave, committed performer in bringing this wonderful piece of writing to the stage. Thank you, Apphia Campbell.

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North West End Theatre (5/5 stars) 48 days ago

Scripted to perfection by Campbell, this is a don’t miss piece for lovers of Nina Simone and all theatre goers who admire true commitment and emotional frankness.

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The Student (5/5 stars) 51 days ago

Apphia Campbell delivers a mesmerising performance in the role of Mena Bordeaux, a pseudonym used to represent the legendary jazz musician and activist Nina Simone, whose life-story unfurls in this hour-long adaptation.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.