Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder and Artistic Director of Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP Productions), has announced the Dear Kaffy London Debut, with the award-winning Nigerian stage production Dear Kaffy: Diary of a Single Woman set to premiere at London’s Shaw Theatre from 7 to 9 August 2025.
The limited engagement marks the production’s first performances in the United Kingdom following acclaimed runs in Nigeria and South Africa.
Also read: London-based filmmaker, Tosin Abiola premieres ‘Silent Blue Light’ in Lagos
The production will be staged twice daily at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm, bringing one of Nigeria’s most celebrated contemporary theatrical works to British audiences at the Shaw Theatre on Euston Road.
At the centre of the story is Kikelomo Olota, known as Kike, a successful 35-year-old woman navigating the often competing demands of career ambitions, romantic relationships, family expectations and personal fulfilment in modern Lagos.
Through humour, music, emotional reflection and heartfelt storytelling, the play examines themes of identity, womanhood and self-discovery that extend well beyond its Nigerian setting.
The London production represents another significant step in BAP Productions’ sustained efforts to expand the international reach of African theatre.
Over the past decade, the company has earned widespread recognition for producing acclaimed stage works including Saro the Musical, Wakaa! The Musical, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, Motherland the Musical and Death and the King’s Horseman.
Several of those productions have toured internationally, contributing to growing global interest in contemporary African storytelling.
Speaking ahead of the performances, Bolanle Austen-Peters described the production as a deeply personal story with universal appeal.
“We are delighted to bring Dear Kaffy to London. This is a story about self-worth, resilience and finding the courage to define your own path. While Kike’s story is rooted in Lagos, her experiences are universal. We look forward to sharing this production with audiences in the UK and celebrating the richness of African storytelling on a global stage,” Bolanle Austen-Peters said.
The London engagement also reflects the increasing visibility of Nigerian theatre within international cultural programming.
In recent years, British audiences have shown growing interest in African stage productions, particularly those exploring contemporary social themes through authentic storytelling.
BAP Productions has been among the companies helping to shape that momentum by presenting stories that resonate across cultures while remaining firmly grounded in African experiences.
The Debut is expected to attract members of the Nigerian and wider African diaspora alongside theatre enthusiasts seeking fresh global perspectives.
The production’s blend of humour, emotional depth and relatable social commentary has become one of its defining strengths and has contributed to its growing reputation beyond Nigeria.
Performances will take place from Thursday, 7 August, to Saturday, 9 August 2025, with tickets priced at £45 for Standard admission, £70 for Premium seating and £100 for VIP access.
Organisers have encouraged audiences to book early because demand is expected to be strong for the three-day engagement.
Also read: London-based filmmaker, Tosin Abiola premieres ‘Silent Blue Light’ in Lagos
The production arrives at a time when African creative industries continue to secure greater international recognition, reinforcing London’s position as a meeting point for diverse artistic voices and powerful cultural exchange.
Maryam Idris is a reporter and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
