Once Upon a Time in Sokoto

From Inua Ellams, the award-winning writer of Barber Shop Chronicles, comes an epic new story of friendship, family and the creation of Nigeria.

Two formidable women battle for their beliefs and their freedom in a story that brings the past vividly to life.

Bursting with colour, music and warmth, this is history told with razor-sharp humour and a rich emotional heart.

Winner of the 2024 Alfred Fagon Award, Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, is a sweeping new play about the bonds that hold us together when the world around us is changing.

Ellams is one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary playwrights, whose acclaimed work includes the international hit Barber Shop Chronicles (Fuel/National Theatre, UK and International tour) and the award-winning The 14th Tale (Fuel/UK tour) and his retelling of Three Sisters (National Theatre).

“There are powers that bind the world together, softer than spirits yet stronger than stone, that tie the river to the tree, the tree to rain clouds, rain clouds to the land, and people to each other.”

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto is presented in association with Touring Together – a new national programme, bringing bold stories which shine a fresh light on the world we live in today, to audiences across the country.

Touring Together is a China Plate and Fuel initiative in collaboration with Brighton Dome, Leeds Playhouse, Oxford Playhouse, Royal and Derngate, Northampton and Warwick Arts Centre, generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.