AN exciting new initiative launches at South Hill Park Arts Centre next week in efforts to showcase diversity and culture within the arts. 

The initiative, named Shades of Black, will be ongoing, and will introduce a variety of productions and events into the Art Centre’s already jam-packed entertainments schedule. 

South Hill Park’s chief executive, Ron McAllister, said: “South Hill Park is committed to providing an inclusive arts programme and we hope that ‘Shades of Black’ will welcome many new patrons to SHP. 

"One of our managers, Sharon Titus, has worked alongside myself and our marketing team to put this season’s events together. We hope you enjoy it!”

The first event in the Shades of Black programme is a play by Ambreen Razia and Black Theatre Live, called The Diary of a Hounslow Girl. 

Taking place on Tuesday, May 10, in the Studio Theatre the production, performed by Ambreen herself, tells the story of a 16-year-old British Muslim girl growing up in West London. From traditional Pakistani weddings to fights on the night bus, The Diary of a Hounslow Girl is described as a funny, bold, provocative play, highlighting the challenges of being brought up as a young woman in a traditional Muslim family.

Black Theatre Live is a pioneering national consortium of eight regional theatres led by Tara Arts, committed to effecting change for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) touring theatre.

Diary of a Hounslow Girl

Doors at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 10 at the Studio Theatre, South Hill Park, Ringmead.

Tickets: £12, conc £11, Members £10, schools £9

To buy tickets online visit South Hill Park's page here.

Stay tuned for more events, shows and performances taking place at South Hill Park during the ongoing Shades of Black initiative.