A new dance production powered by the music of James Brown, Etta James and Sam Cooke is coming to Woking Theatre on 16 and 17 October 2026. The Brown Suite mixes dance, music and storytelling with the atmosphere of 1970s New York.
1. The soundtrack should be a big part of the night
Rather than simply dancing to background music, the production is built around classic funk and soul. Expect the music of James Brown, Etta James and Sam Cooke to drive the action from beginning to end.
2. It mixes several different styles of dance
The choreography combines the precision of ballet and contemporary dance with funk, jazz and groove based movement, moving between big company numbers and more intimate duets.
3. There is a proper story behind the dancing
Seven dancers take audiences through flirtation, romance, heartbreak, conflict and ultimately resilience, all set against the energy of 1970s New York nightlife.
4. It comes from choreographic duo BlacBrik
Nahum McLean and Darius Drooh met at New York’s Alvin Ailey School and later formed BlacBrik. The Brown Suite is their first full length narrative dance work.
5. It is only in Woking for two nights
The Woking dates are Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October, with performances beginning at 7.30pm. The show lasts around 90 minutes including an interval.
If you like live music, funk, soul and contemporary dance, this looks like one of Woking Theatre’s more unusual autumn nights out.
When: 16 and 17 October 2026
Where: Woking Theatre, Woking
Tickets: Available through Woking Theatre and ATG Tickets.