Charles Ignatius Sancho was born on a slave ship on the Atlantic Ocean in 1729, yet he became a writer, composer, shopkeeper and respected 'man of letters' in 18th century London becoming the first man of African Heritage to vote in Britain.

This is the extraordinary story of an unlikely hero, brought to life by actor and author Paterson Joseph who performs an enthralling account of one man's remarkable life. Part-biography and part-dramatized readings from Paterson's acclaimed novel

'The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho', this time around the production will also feature The Sancho Quintet.

This is a vital story connecting a Black Life in the transatlantic world from nearly three hundred years ago with a modern-day Black Life in today's UK.

Sancho & Us is an unmissable evening of storytelling with themes intersecting with Paterson's own story of being Black and British.

Tonight's production will have a special flavour with an ensemble – The Sancho Quintet – playing live on stage. It will be a true celebration of Ignatius Sancho's life in music and word.

The Sancho journey returns home and will have a special flavour tonight with an ensemble playing live on stage. It will be a true celebration of Ignatius Sancho's life in music and word.

Creative Team

Actor & Co-Director – PATTERSON JOSEPH

Paterson Joseph's novel 'The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho' won the RSL Christopher Bland Prize and The Historical Writer's Association Debut Novel Prize in 2023. Paterson most recently starred in the film Wonka and the BBC hit series Boat Story. 

Associate Director & Musical Director – Ben Park 

Co-Director & Designer –

Michael Vale

Costumier –

Linda Haysman 

The Sancho Quintet

Rosanna Ter-Berg – FLUTES

Rosanna Ter-Berg; is a versatile multi-flautist, improviser, and actor-musician, praised for her charismatic and dynamic performances across various music styles, from classical to contemporary and pop.

She collaborates with top UK improvisers, chamber groups, and theatre companies, and serves on the artistic and audition panel for the Park Lane Group.

Rebecca Jordan – Cello

Rebecca Jordan; a Royal Academy of Music graduate and recipient of the John Mundy Gift and Rhoda Scholarship, is a cellist who teaches at Westminster and Harrow Schools, records with London orchestras, and tours with Michael Bublé and Bastille.

She is currently an associate on the West End show "Hamilton."

Buffy Rowe – Violin 

Buffy Rowe; a Trinity College of Music graduate, is a versatile freelance musician who teaches violin and piano and has served as an ABRSM examiner. She has performed at the Royal National Theatre, toured with Colin Reid and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, and does session work for composers like Stuart Hancock and Tom Howe.

She also performs with her quartet, Carnaby Strings.

Ikechukwu Onwaugbu – Double Bass

Ikechukwu Onwaugbu; a Guildhall School of Music and Drama graduate with a master's in music, is a versatile bassist who has performed at festivals and private functions and played with bands like Tankus the Henge and The Black Bohemians.

JT Taylor – Percussion

JT Taylor; is a percussionist involved in a rich variety of contexts across the musical spectrum. His passion for music and social equality is combined in a practice that spans performance, community music, and educational projects.

Sancho Productions

This project is developed with the help of Strawberry Hill Enterprises at St Mary's University, Twickenham.