Jacob Roberts Mensah

Jacob is a British-Ghanaian actor and recording artist from South London. Having played a number of characters in the award-winning audio drama 'Dem Times' (Spotify), award-winning theatre production 'DRUM' (Omnibus, New Diorama & Edinburgh Fringe) and ‘Liberation’ (Royal Exchange Theatre), Joshua is driven by performance as a primary means of expression. Steadfast in his pursuit of becoming an all-around entertainer and hoping to bring something new to the creative landscape that can be respected by theatregoers and creatives alike.

His Untapped 2024 winning show DRUM is touring to 16 venues across the South East; in locations from Reading to Margate, Farnham to Luton, and Poole to Worthing and more.

house Senior Producer Harriet Bolwell says: “Supporting Omnibus Theatre and award-winning theatre company Our Day to tour DRUM to 16 independent theatre venues form our network across the South East is hugely exciting.”

Adding: “We know audiences across the region will deeply connect with the story, which captures this snapshot of history in the swinging sixties as the two men dual over their perception of identity, success, assimilation and home.”

Image: Artwork by Guy J Sanders

Jacob tells us more about the show and what audiences can expect:

Sum up DRUM in three words?

Joyful, Ghanaians, 1960s

How did music and dance shape the storytelling?

Music and dance are two gifts to be enjoyed. They provide an opportunity for the two actors to unite and share experiences in the midst of their disagreements. The music also serves as a metaphor within the play for identity.

What does 'home' mean in this story?
Your motherland plays a massive part of one's identity. This story explores how people deal and identify with what home is once they have left their motherland.

Something audiences might be surprised to learn?
The two men in the story are real people, prolific Ghanaian figures James Barnor and Mike Eghan. The show is inspired by true events.

What do you hope people takeaway from the show?
Firstly Joy, secondly, I want the play to make people think about identity, what it means to build a legacy and to be proud of where you’re from. In a world of division there is far more that unites us than separates us.