A theatrical adaptation of a much-loved children’s book which is “bursting with happiness” is preparing to take to the stage with a UK national tour.
Anna Hibiscus’ Song has been beautifully and creatively adapted for the stage and directed by Utopia Theatre’s Artistic Director Mojisola Kareem from the book written by Atinuke. The interactive performances, suitable for those aged 3+ and grown-ups, appeal to people of all ages with its fun and vibrant staging including puppetry, African drumming, dance and song.
Touring from 28 August to 13 October, Anna Hibiscus’ Song tells the uplifting story of a young girl living in amazing Africa - uniquely sharing how Anna Hibiscus is so filled with happiness that she feels like she might float away. And the more she talks to her family about it, the more her happiness grows! There’s only one thing to do...sing!
Leading African theatre company Utopia Theatre, alongside Sheffield Theatres, first staged the production in Yorkshire last year to much success. This tour will visit nine different venues across the UK:
o Bristol Old Vic: 28 – 31 August
o Hull Truck: 3 September
o York Theatre Royal: 5-7 September
o The Maltings, Berwick: 11-12 September
o The Quarry Theatre, Bedford: 14-15 September
o CAST, Doncaster: 20-21 September
o The North Wall, Oxford: 28 September (Tiny Ideas Festival)
o The Studio, Edinburgh: 3-5 October
o The Unicorn, London: 9-13 October
Tickets for Anna Hibiscus’ Song are on sale now online
here.
Renowned Nigerian actress and producer Kehinde Bankole has also joined the cast to play Auntie Jolie and Storyteller. Kehinde, who last year lent her voice to Disney’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, will bring her unwavering enthusiasm for African culture and human stories to the Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres co-production.
Her enormous talent has led to the portrayal of many roles at venues including Shakespeare's Globe. She continues to make significant contributions to the growing world of cinema in Nigeria, starring in highly acclaimed blockbuster movies such as Adire, BloodSisters and Sista on streaming platforms Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Kehinde Bankole said: “I’m always seeking new adventures and particularly enjoy sharing the vibrant essence of African stories and its rich tapestry. I’m so looking forward to being part of this wonderful adaptation of a beautiful story which will capture the imagination of audiences young and old.”
The 2024 cast list is as follows: * Malick Bojang – Grandfather, Chocolate and Storyteller
* Althea Burey – Mama, Angel and Storyteller
* Dorthea Darby – Grandmother, Uncle Tunde, Benz and Storyteller
* Julius Obende – Papa, on-stage musician and Storyteller
* Saskia Rose – Anna Hibiscus and Storyteller
* Kehinde Bankole - Auntie Jolie and Storyteller
Once the run ends at Unicorn Theatre, Anna Hibiscus' Song will be streamed online from 14-20 October as part of Black History Month.
Utopia Theatre is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), which has also been awarded further funding for the production of Anna Hibiscus’ Song to go on tour.
Mojisola Kareem said: “Anna Hibiscus’ Song gives audiences the chance to enjoy an interactive theatre experience, where the stage becomes Africa and children are encouraged to help tell the story with dance and song.
“I loved adapting this uplifting children’s book for the stage and was taken aback by how Yorkshire audiences last year were so captivated by the truly uplifting story of Anna Hibiscus’ Song. We are so excited to be working with so many fantastic venues across the UK to bring this to life once again and welcome more people to theatres.
“At Utopia Theatre, we’re on a mission to make theatre and arts much more inclusive and Anna Hibiscus’ Song is certainly breaking down barriers so that families from all backgrounds can enjoy the pure joy of storytelling together.”
For further details and to secure your tickets, click
here.
