New Stage Show Premieres at Bradford Literature Festival

World premiere of Saints On A Bridge debuts at BLF 2026

The Bradford Literature Festival (BLF) in 2026 featured the world premiere of Saints On A Bridge, a new stage production by Testament, also known as Andy Brooks. Testament is a rapper, playwright, poet, and beatboxer whose work has been closely linked with the festival for several years.

About the show

Saints On A Bridge presents seven interconnected stories centred around a small church community. The narratives explore different perspectives on a contentious event, prompting audiences to reflect on themes of nationhood, faith, and fellowship. The production was initially commissioned by Liverpool Cathedral and aims to offer insight into identity and connection in 21st-century Britain.

Testament’s connection to the festival

• First appeared at Bradford Literature Festival in 2016
• Has contributed regularly to the festival’s Education Programme
• Festival has supported his development as an artist and educator

Testament commented on his relationship with the festival, noting its role in his artistic growth and its openness to his creative ideas. He highlighted the festival’s engagement with complex issues of identity and faith as a fitting context for premiering the show.

Other highlights from Bradford Literature Festival 2026

• Performance by Hacienda DJ Mike Pickering at the annual A Lit Night Out event
• Evergreen Songs of Bengal featuring Laboni Barua and Ahmed Kaysher, celebrating Bangladeshi heritage
• Timeless Ghazals with Priti Kaur performing classics from the ghazal tradition
• World premiere of Mizan: Changing The Narrative
• UK cinema premiere of 100 Years of Marilyn Monroe

Festival leadership remarks

Syima Aslam, CEO and Artistic Director of Bradford Literature Festival, spoke about the festival’s history of hosting world premieres and its ongoing support for Testament’s career. She expressed satisfaction that the artist chose BLF for the debut of Saints On A Bridge.