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
“Men are like yam, you cut them how you like.”
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.
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
Praise for the Previous 2018 Production of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives:
“★★★★★ The play’s energy never dips and the actors, doubling up repeatedly in their roles, give nuanced, charismatic performances. The effect is nothing short of spectacular” – The Guardian
“★★★★★ 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 ... well-crafted, well-executed by a strong cast, and not to be missed” – 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
“★★★★ Adapted deftly by Rotimi Babatunde from Lola Shoneyin’s bestselling novel ... an acutely funny piece of theatre” – The Stage
“★★★★ Exuberantly entertaining ... enjoyably clamorous and unflinchingly serious” – Evening Standard
“★★★★ Director Femi Elufowoju jr conjures a vibrant, musical, lyrical production ... fresh, entertaining and exuberant” – WhatsOnStage
“★★★★ Joyous and enchanting ... from the moment the play starts it’s completely captivating” – Love London Love Culture
“★★★★ An emotional and jubilant production” – Afridiziak
“★★★★ With remarkable direction by Elufowoju jr, the performances are excellent ... an exceptionally entertaining, funny, compelling and thought-provoking piece” – The Upcoming
“★★★★ Clever storytelling ... with music, a lively cast and a few simple props the story of Baba Segi and his four wives in modern Nigeria is taken apart, dissected and explored. ” – Londonist
“An example of artistic diversity that’s much more than skin deep.” – Exeunt