THE CANARY

AND THE CROW

“Coz I know you don’t see what I see, coz our eyes see things differently”

The Canary and the Crow is award-winning grime and hip hop-inspired gig theatre about the journey of a working class black kid who’s accepted to a prestigious grammar school.

This lyrical, semi-autobiographical piece from writer and performer Daniel Ward uses original live music from Prez 96 and James Frewer to tell a story of the struggle between a new environment that doesn’t accept you and an old one that has no opportunity.

Originally written in 2014, Daniel developed the script with Middle Child during a week-long residency in 2018.

Middle Child then produced and premiered the show at Hull Truck Theatre in 2019, before taking it on tour, including to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s Arcola Theatre.

The Canary and the Crow was awarded the Brighton Fringe Award for Excellence at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019, and Daniel Ward the Writers’ Guild Award for Best Play for Young Audiences in 2020.

Guidance

Age: 14+
Running time: 65 minutes

Contains themes of racial identity and class, with some strong language. See our contents note page for a plot summary.

Reviews

★★★★★

“The audience was on their feet before the show was even finished”
The List

★★★★★

“[Slams] the racism and classism inherent in the private school system with the power and energy of a backstreet grime concert.”
Broadway Baby

★★★★★

“Stunning, stunning theatre… It is open, energetic, warm and inviting.”
Miro Magazine

Video

Cast

Creative Team

Writer – Daniel Ward
Director – Paul Smith
Co-composer – Prez 96
Co-composer and Musical Director – James Frewer
Designer – Natalie Young
Lighting Designer – Jess Addinall
Movement Director – Ryan Harston
Artistic Associate – Matthew May