Wakaa! The musical to show at London’s West End

Wakaa! The Musical, the hit Nigerian show produced and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters will premiere at the Shaw Theatre, London’s West End from July 21 – 25, 2016, making it the first Nigerian musical to make it to the British capital.

The stage play is centered on the trials, successes and experiences of young graduates from varied backgrounds; a wager between them after graduation has a twist when the realities of life and the folly of their choices hit them. Eventually, they reunite, coming full circle. The story reveals the struggles and challenges young people face in present day Nigeria and abroad.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the play, Austen-Peters said the London show is coming in response to growing interests in productions of African origin across the globe, and various calls to take the production to the international community.

“The show is a contemporary socio-cultural and contemporary production celebrating the diverse, yet homogeneous, people and culture of Nigeria. There is a large Nigerian and Afro-Caribbean population in London who are interested, and yearning to see world class productions from Nigeria,” she said.

According to Austen-Peters, the play will provide the highly talented and creative youths involved in the production with opportunities to experience the UK creative space and technology driving the UK creative industry.