Barbershop Uncut Stories Concludes Its 2026 Tour at Reading Rep
Two performances and one shared mission: raising awareness of prostate cancer in Black communities.
Barbershop Uncut Stories has successfully concluded its 2026 tour with two performances at Reading Rep on Friday 16 and Friday 23 October, bringing its powerful message about prostate cancer awareness to audiences in Reading and the surrounding communities.
Supported by NHS Thames Valley Cancer Alliance, the performances used the familiar, trusted environment of the barbershop to encourage open conversations about prostate cancer, challenge myths and misconceptions, and highlight the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking medical advice early.
The opening performance on 16 October played to a sold-out auditorium. The evening began with a welcome address from the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Paul Gittens, and brought together an expert post-show panel, chaired by Dr Olubukola Ayodele, featuring Alastair Lamb, Mark Foulkes and included former Mayors Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles and Councillor Glenn Dennis, alongside Jeff Thompson.
The final performance on 23 October continued these important conversations, with another expert panel including Keith Morgan who kindly hosted the session featuring Susannah La-Touché and Luke Stroman. We were pleased to be joined by Peter Ellis, who shared his personal experience and spoke about his commitment to prostate cancer advocacy.
Both evenings demonstrated the value of combining theatre, lived experience, audience participation and expert discussion to make important health messages accessible and encourage people to take action.
We extend our sincere thanks to NHS Thames Valley Cancer Alliance for supporting this initiative, to Reading Rep Theatre for hosting the production, and to our cast, creative team, panellists, partners and audiences for helping to make the tour possible.
Although this current tour may have ended, the conversations must continue. Barbershop Uncut Stories remains committed to using creativity and trusted community spaces to raise awareness of prostate cancer and help more men feel informed, supported and confident about seeking advice.