Following their acclaimed collaboration on Death and the King’s Horseman, Sheffield-based theatrical powerhouses Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres have announced casting for the major world premiere of Crown of Blood. This groundbreaking Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth is the first of its kind to be seen on UK stages.
Directed by Utopia Theatre’s Artistic Director Mojisola Kareem and written by Oladipo Agboluaje, Crown of Blood was developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme.
The cast features Nigerian stage and screen superstars Kehinde Bankole as Oyebisi and Deyemi Okanlawon as Aderemi. They are joined by Omobolanle Akanbi, Jude Akuwudike, Tunji Falana, Patrice Naiambana, Adeniyi Olusola Morolahun, Adura Onashile, Kayefi Osha, Toyin Oshinaike and Mo Sesay.
Returning to Sheffield Theatres after Death and the King’s Horseman, Kehinde Bankole is an award-winning actress and producer with credits at Shakespeare’s Globe and major film and streaming projects. Deyemi Okanlawon, named Highest-Grossing Nollywood Actor for two consecutive years, has headlined more Netflix Originals than any other Nigerian actor.
Set during the civil wars of 19th-century Yorubaland, Crown of Blood reimagines Shakespeare’s tragedy through African storytelling traditions. General Aderemi, fresh from saving the kingdom, is promoted to Field Marshal, fulfilling a prophecy that sparks a bloody quest for power.
Mojisola Kareem said:
“Crown of Blood is a declaration that this story belongs to us too. I wanted to reclaim Macbeth through a Yoruba worldview where power, justice and spiritual authority are understood on our own terms. Removing the witches shifts the responsibility back to human beings and exposes how ambition corrupts when honour collapses.”
Sheffield Theatres Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman added:
“I cannot wait for audiences to experience Crown of Blood in the Crucible. This brand new play is an exciting reimagining of Macbeth, and under the visionary direction of Mojisola Kareem and the bold adaptation by Oladipo Agboluaje, it becomes a totally electrifying exploration of ambition and power.”
The creative team includes designer Kevin Jenkins, movement director Ben Wright, sound designer Rob Hart, lighting designer Alexandra Stafford and co-composer & musical director Kayefi Osha.
Crown of Blood runs at The Crucible Theatre from 2–7 February 2026, with a press night on 3 February, before transferring to Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from 11–14 February. The production will tour again in Spring 2027, including Kings Theatre, Edinburgh.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
