The Young Vic has released first-look production images for Girls, Theresa Ikoko’s acclaimed drama currently playing at the venue’s intimate Maria Theatre.
Directed by 2026 JMK Award winner Ewa Dina, the production runs until 21 November, with press night taking place on 27 October.
The newly released images offer audiences a preview of the story’s three central characters, Tisana, Haleema and Ruhab, as well as Raphaé Memon’s striking design, which features Nigerian red sand, suspended dried hibiscus flowers and a row of television screens connecting the characters to the world beyond their confinement.
Winner of the Alfred Fagon Award and the George Devine Award, Girls follows three teenage best friends in Nigeria whose lives are transformed when they are kidnapped by militant insurgents.
The production’s synopsis reads: “They leave a trail of fire and flesh. If they followed it – if somebody followed the stench – they would find us”.
Set in 2014, the play introduces Tisana, Haleema and Ruha as ordinary teenagers “busy swapping notes on celebrities, sex positions, and dodging carbs”.
When their lives are violently disrupted, they are forced to rely on one another for survival. As fear and religious differences begin to fracture their bond, the play explores the limits of friendship, resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
The cast features Hannah Akhalu as Tisana, Tara Tijani as Haleema and Sewa Zamba as Ruhab.
Alongside direction by Ewa Dina and writing by Theresa Ikoko, the creative team includes set and costume design by Raphaé Memon, lighting design by Elliott Griggs, composition by féz, sound design by Munotida Chinyanga, movement direction by dkfash, video design and programming by Sophie Bramley, and fight and intimacy direction by Haruka Kuroda.
Girls is playing at the Young Vic’s Maria Theatre until 21 November 2026.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
