Black newspaper editor celebrated in theatre show

The first editor of Britain's black newspaper, The Voice, will be celebrated in a one-night-only production.

The story of Peter Randolph Fraser, known as Flip Fraser, will be shared on stage at the Shaw Theatre, Camden, on 25 October, 10 years on from his death.

Director Wil Johnson said: "I want to shine a light on one of this country’s great pioneers.

"He was one of those extraordinary men who just knew that his life was bigger than himself."

The Story of Flip Fraser will follow Mr Fraser's life, from his early days in Jamaica to his life in London where he moved aged 16, eventually becoming the editor of The Voice Newspaper.

In 1987, Mr Fraser launched Black Heroes in the Hall of Fame, a show that encapsulated 5,000 years of black history in a single night at the Shaw Theatre.

It went on to become the first all-black musical to be staged in the West End.

"His widow Joyce wanted to somehow keep his legacy going. And so she decided to write this play, which explored the man," said Mr Johnson.

The production is Mr Johnson's directorial debut, building on more than three decades of work in TV, film, and theatre.

"1982 was when Flip became the first editor of The Voice Newspaper," Mr Johnson said.

"There was no social media. So a lot of our information came from word of mouth, community radio stations and through what little black publications there were.

"So Flip becoming the editor of The Voice Newspaper, that was a huge huge thing."

Mr Johnson said the newspaper was "like a lifeline" for so many people.

"Flip was very charismatic, very driven, his view point was very afro-centric, very Jamaican," Mr Johnson said.

"He had a mission. He just wanted to do something for his people and to make a mark."

The production by Black Heroes Foundation has been sponsored by the University of Greenwich.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]