June 6 - 29

Little Ripa presents

KING JAMES

Written by Rajiv Joseph

Directed by Bali Padda

An AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE

Two guys walk into a bar... then came LeBron.

Step into the electrifying world of King James by Rajiv Joseph, where the city of Cleveland undergoes a transformative journey under the reign of LeBron James, the charismatic ‘King.'

Amidst the promise, prosperity, and renewal brought by the basketball icon, two young men are struggling to establish their identities. Neither is especially adept at putting words to their feelings. But basketball? That’s where they let it all out.

Spanning twelve riveting years, from LeBron's rookie season to an NBA Championship, this Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie Award-winning playwright crafts King James to deliver an intimate exploration of the profound impact sports have on our relationships and we find ourselves being asked; Can a profound platonic love endure whilst quietly weathering life’s storms?

Experience the laughter, passion, broken hearts and camaraderie in this gripping tale where the court becomes a stage for the drama of life.

A touching examination of male friendship and the powerful social currents beneath it.” – The New York Times

One of the funniest and most moving plays about friendship in years… Basketball fans will love Joseph’s insidery jokes, but even if you don’t follow the game all that much, KING JAMES is a must-see.” – TheaterMania

Cast and Creative Team

Playwright: Rajiv Joseph

Director: Bali Padda

Associate Director: Abby Gallaway

Producers: Aaron Glenane & Izzy Williams

Set Designer: Ian Kanik

Costume Designer: Rita Naidu

Lighting Designer: Priyanka Martin

Lighting Supervisor: Izzy Morrissey

Composer & Sound Designer: Michael Toisuta

Stage Manager: Cindy Cavero

Dialect Coach: Linda Nicholls-Gidley

Casting Director: Kathryn Courtney-Prior

Trailer Videography:  MINT FILMS - Andrew Seaton (Director), Matthew Samperini (Director of Photography), Nick Mutton (Producer) 

Promotional Photographer: Daniel Asher-Smith

Cast (of 2): Aaron Glenane, Tinashe Mangwana

This listing is updated as cast/creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are changes to the team.

Dates + Ticketing

Season: June 6 - 29

Note- previews are 6/06 & 7/06, opening night (invite only) is 8/06

Times: 7pm Tues-Fri, 2pm & 7pm Sat, 5pm Sun

Ticket Prices:

  • Previews & Cheap Tuesday: $35 + booking fee

  • Adult: $45-75 + booking fee

  • Concession: $35-55 + booking fee

Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes (without interval)

Content Warnings: mature themes, appropriate for ages 12+.