.. Calls Grow for Annual BAP Productions Theatre Season In The UK
Feeling on top of the world should describe how she feels. But she’s keen to express gratitude too and declares that not only is the contemporary Nigerian theatre ready for England, London in particular, she stresses, is also ready; in fact eager for more of the type of stage plays that she’s known and widely celebrated for.
And so Bolanle Austen-Peters, the lawyer turned film and theatre durector/producer is full of joy and fulfilment, following the spectacular staging of ‘Dear Kaffy – Diary of a Single Woman’ in London which she directed.
The production, which has closed to strong acclaim, with ran between August 7 and 9th at the famed Shaw Theatre on Euston Road, London, recorded full houses at every performance and positive reviews from audiences, critics, and theatre enthusiasts.
Executed by Bolanle Austen-Peters Production, Dear Kaffi succeeded in introducing the energy, humour, and storytelling of Nigerian theatre prowess to London audiences, resonating with both the Nigerian diaspora and the wider theatre community.
Across the run, audiences responded with consistent enthusiasm, marked by laughter, applause, and standing ovations..
Critics and theatre observers praised the production’s quality, performance and storytelling, acknowledging its ability to present a distinctly Nigerian narrative in a way that felt accessible and engaging to London audiences.
A key outcome of the London show was the growing demand for more Nigerian theatre ptoductions in the UK. Privateky and in punkic, TCN learnt that udience members and theatre stakeholders called on BAP Productions to return to London every summer with a new production, effectively proposing an annual BAP Productions theatre season in London.
The success of Dear Kaffy reflects the increasing international appetite for African stories and high-quality African stage productions.
For BAP Productions, the London engagement reinforces its broader mission of bringing Nigerian stories, talent, and productions to global audiences.
The production was made possible with the sponsorship from Access Bank UK and with partners including Bank of America, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Bank of Industry, Channels TV, WimBiz, Lagos Mums, Beat FM, Molly Africa, Africa Movie Channel, Heavy Wind media, Patrons Media and The Culture Newspaper; University of Westminster, and Bridge Clinic, whose contributions helped bring the production to the international stage.
Commenting on the reception, Bolanle Austen-Peters, the Director, said:
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who came out to see Dear Kaffy. The response has been extraordinary. To have a full house at every performance and to hear audiences asking us to return every summer is incredibly encouraging. It tells us that African stories have a home on the global stage, and we are excited about what this could mean for the future.”
Following the success of the London run, BAP Productions says it is now exploring the possibility of making London a regular stop on its international theatre calendar.
According to Mrs Austen-Peters, the response from London audiences was clear:
“Nigerian theatre is ready for the world — and London is ready for more.”
