“In most places in the West, poor people and black people have been told that they do not belong inside the theatre,” he said.

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“For me, as someone who wants and yearns for black and brown people to be in the theatre, who comes from a working-class environment, who wants people who do not make six figures to feel like theatre is a place for them, it is a necessity to radically invite them in with initiatives that say: ‘You’re invited. Specifically, you’.”

The show’s premiere is scheduled for June 29, with two Black Out nights on July 17 and September 17.

But in response to the announcement, Sunak’s official spokesman said the leader believed the arts should be inclusive and open to everyone, “particularly where those arts venues are in receipt of public funding”.

The Times reported that such an audience would be achieved by distributing invitation-only tickets through black community groups, rather than by turning white people away, which would prove legally problematic.

On Thursday, producers told the BBC it was their intent to celebrate the play with the widest possible audience and were “carefully considering” how to incorporate the two Black Out performances in its 13-week run.

They said no one would be prevented or precluded from attending any performance.

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