Originally released in November 1986, the album Licensed To Ill put these unlikely stars on the map and introduced rap music to a far wider audience than ever before. Now the story of the Beastie Boys, hip-hop’s most notorious pranksters, is revealed in this big-hearted, brash new production.
Join Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock as they go from teenage punks in 80s New York, via their discovery by legendary producer Rick Rubin, to international rapping superstars. Featuring hits from ‘Intergalactic’ to ‘(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)’, Licensed To Ill is an eclectic theatre-gig mash-up which incorporates three MCs, one DJ, and a whole lot of noise.
The story of the Beastie Boys now returns following a sell-out run at Camden People’s Theatre in 2015 and a highly successful UK tour. Whether you’re an original Beasties fan or a complete newcomer to the band, this unofficial journey through hip-hop history will have you rhyming, laughing and gasping in equal measure.
Licensed To Ill is conceived by Adam El Hagar and Simon Maeder, and created by the ensemble cast, which includes El Hagar and Maeder alongside Daniel Foxsmith and Tope Mikun. Now presented by The Corner Shop Events, the show was originally commissioned by and developed with Camden People’s Theatre.
El Hagar and Maeder comment, This show is the culmination of three years’ hard work, goofing, mixing and love. The idea came while we were flyering and started rapping to passers-by in Beastie style. We had so much fun working together in that way that we wondered if the energy would translate to a whole show. And so, after a lot of research, the idea was born! The Beastie Boys didn’t just make incredible music, their life stories were hilarious and inspiring too. Licensed To Ill is a fun, crazy, and heartfelt show about three unlikely hip-hop legends and their huge impact on the genre.
Cast: Tope Mikun, Adam El Hagar, Simon Maeder, Daniel Foxsmith
Date(s): Wednesday 30th November – Saturday 24th December 2016 Monday to Saturday, 8pm
Where: Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London
Book Tickets via: Southwark Playhouse