Leading African theatre company Utopia Theatre is taking the uplifting story of a puppet girl “bursting with happiness” on a UK tour after securing additional Arts Council England funding.
Anna Hibiscus’ Song, adapted for the stage and directed by Utopia Theatre’s Artistic Director Mojisola Kareem from the book written by Atinuke, is set to take centre stage at eight venues through summer and autumn.
The participatory production has something for everyone to enjoy, and the tour draws on the success of the show first staged at Sheffield Theatres and in Yorkshire community venues in 2023. Last year’s production run was watched by thousands of children, families and adults; captivated by the unique story of happiness and self-discovery.
Told through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling, Anna Hibiscus’ Song is a theatrical adaptation of Atinuke’s popular children’s book which promises to have audiences beaming from ear to ear. Suitable for children aged 3+ and their families, the performances will be interactive and colourful throughout to bring the stage and story to life.
Anna Hibiscus’ Song celebrates and features authentic voices from the African diaspora in the UK to celebrate culture, heritage and the diverse makeup of modern families. Described by The Stage as a “joyous family show with song, dance and impressive puppetry” which is “bursting with happiness,” the performance dates for the 2024 tour are:
- Bristol Old Vic: 28 – 31 August
- Hull Truck: Dates to be confirmed
- York Theatre Royal: Dates to be confirmed
- The Quarry Theatre, Bedford: 14-15 September
- CAST, Doncaster: 20-21 September
- The North Wall, Oxford: 28 September (Tiny Ideas Festival)
- Capital Theatre, Edinburgh: 3-5 October
- The Unicorn, London: 9-13 October
Anna Hibiscus’ Song, a Sheffield Theatres co-production which features live original music, will also be streamed from 14-20 October as part of Black History Month. Tickets can be purchased from today (Wednesday 8 May) and all details can be found at www.utopiatheatre.co.uk/project/anna-hibiscus-song-production-and-tour/
