Cast and Creative Team Announced for Once Upon a Time in Sokoto
Posted on: 28th July 2026
Fuel, in association with Touring Together, is delighted to announce the cast and creative team for the world premiere of Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, a powerful new play by award-winning writer Inua Ellams, directed by Roy Alexander Weise.
Joining the production are:
Cast
- Adeola Yemitan as Nafisa
- Antonia Layiwola as Zinari
- Bayo Gbadamosi as Hadiru
- Will Atiomo as Yusef
Creative team
- Set Designer Amelia Jane Hankin
- Composer Femi Temowo
- Movement Director Coral Messam
- Costume Designer Jessica Cabassa
- Associate Director Brigitte Adela
- Casting Director Heather Basten CDG
- Production Manager Helen Mugridge
Winner of the 2024 Alfred Fagon Award, Once Upon a Time in Sokoto is an epic family drama about an extraordinary friendship forged between an enslaved woman and her former master against the backdrop of the events leading to the creation of Nigeria. As differences in faith, culture and heritage are tested by a changing world, the pair discover the enduring ties that connect us to one another.
Inua Ellams is an internationally celebrated poet, playwright and artist whose acclaimed plays include Barber Shop Chronicles and The 14th Tale. Directed by Roy Alexander Weise (The Hot Wing King, ‘Master Harold’… and the boys), this landmark new production embarks on a UK tour from September 2026 to February 2027, visiting Royal & Derngate, Northampton; Oxford Playhouse; Nottingham Playhouse; Warwick Arts Centre; Leeds Playhouse; Brighton Dome; and Bristol Old Vic.
We can’t wait to introduce audiences to this remarkable company and to share this unforgettable new production across the UK.
Tickets are on sale now – purchase yours here.