A London theatre is facing backlash after organising a “black out” event where white people are urged not to attend.

The Theatre Royal Stratford East, in east London aims to create a “safe, private” space to allow an “all-black-identifying audience” to explore race relations “free from the white gaze”.

Organisers of the play said white patrons should not go to the performance of Tambo & Bones on July 5.