The comedienne spoke to Love London Love Culture about her upcoming show Black Girl, coming to the Soho Theatre from the 7th to the 9th June. 

Hi Twayna, could you tell me a little bit more about your show Black Girl? Black Girl’s about getting adopted and how I forged my own Black British identity through popular culture.  I look at black female representation in the media, role models and the important role women’s hair plays in the black community.  I also think it’s important to mention that my adoptive mum is a white farmers daughter from North Devon and I was adopted at 14.

How did the idea for the show come about and develop? I’ve had an interesting life which as it turns out is a very good source for comedic material and ideas.  Not many people know about adoption, let alone transracial adoption or if they have it usually involves a celebrity.  My mum isn’t a celebrity, unfortunately.  Turning it into entertainment wasn’t a problem, just add a few anecdotes about holidays in the countryside and everyone’s laughing.  I have siblings too so had to be mindful about not revealing anything that we wouldn’t normally talk about outside the family.

How excited are you about bringing the show to London audiences? Very. I can get the bus home afterwards and sleep in my own bed. Seriously though, it’ll be nice being in my home town talking about how I know more about moussaka than I do jerk chicken.  Pulling in a diverse crowd in London will be easier too.  This show works better with a good mixture of people.  But also the sleeping in my own bed thing is very important.

What would you like audiences to take away from the show? I’d like people to think it’s funny and moving and informative but ultimately funny.

What would you like to happen to the show in the future? I wouldn’t mind turning it into radio show or something.

Black Girl will play at the Soho Theatre from the 7th to the 9th June. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://sohotheatre.com/shows/twayna-mayne-black-girl/.