Arcola Theatre presents

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives

Directed by Femi Elufowoju jr
Adapted for the stage by Rotimi Babatunde
From the novel by Lola Shoneyin

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is back due to popular demand!

★★★★★ “Nothing short of spectacular” The Guardian

★★★★ “An emotional and jubilant production” Afridiziak

★★★★  The Stage   ★★★★ WhatsOnStage   ★★★★ Evening Standard

Baba Segi has three wives, seven children, and a mansion filled with riches. But now he has his eyes on Bolanle, a young university graduate wise to life’s misfortunes. When Bolanle responds to Baba Segi’s advances, she unwittingly uncovers a secret which threatens to rock his patriarchal household to the core.

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is a scandalous, engrossing tale of sexual politics and family strife in modern-day Nigeria. Lola Shoneyin’s bestselling novel bursts on to the stage in a vivid adaptation by Caine Award-winning playwright Rotimi Babatunde.

“Men are like yam, you cut them how you like.”

Femi Elufowoju jr once again directs a multi-talented African ensemble in the return of the “spectacular” 2018 smash hit, featuring live Yoruba music, songs and dance.

Produced by Arcola Theatre in collaboration with The Elufowoju jr Ensemble.

Don’t miss our exclusive event, An Audience with Lola Shoneyin. Join us for a live discussion with the literary icon and acclaimed director, Femi Elufowoju jr, on 17 May. Book your tickets here! 


Praise for the Previous 2018 Production of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives:

★★★★★ “The play’s energy never dips and the actors, give nuanced, charismatic performances. The effect is nothing short of spectacular”The Guardian

★★★★★ “An acutely funny piece of theatre”The Stage

★★★★★ “ An unwavering spirit of playfulness that stands out above all else in this splendid production”London Student

★★★★★ “There is a sense of joy and playfulness to the whole production”Spy In The Stalls

★★★★★ “This is going to be one of the plays of the summer – hot, hot, hot”IThankYouTheatre

★★★★½ “ Belly-achingly funny ... This is theatre with a difference, with a spirit, which will open your eyes and worldview.”Theatre Box

★★★★ “Exuberantly entertaining ... enjoyably clamorous and unflinchingly serious”Evening Standard

★★★★ “A vibrant, musical, lyrical production ... fresh, entertaining and exuberant”WhatsOnStage

★★★★ “ An emotional and jubilant production”Afridiziak

★★★★ “Joyous and enchanting from the moment the play starts it’s completely captivating”Love London Love Culture