Once Upon a Time in Sokoto

Fuel in association with Touring Together 

presents

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto 

by Inua Ellams

directed by Ola Ince

“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.”

The award-winning Once Upon a Time in Sokoto tells the epic story of a beautiful but unlikely friendship forged between a slave and her former master. Differences in faith, culture and heritage are overcome in the face of new enemies, in a gripping family drama set against the backdrop of events leading to the creation of Nigeria.

Winner of the 2024 Alfred Fagon Award for Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, Nigeria-born Inua Ellams is an internationally celebrated poet, playwright, and artist. He has published four poetry collections and his plays include the hugely popular and critically acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles (Fuel/National Theatre, UK and International tour) and the award-winning The 14th Tale (Fuel/UK tour).

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto is performing at

Royal & Derngate, Northampton

28 September – 10 October 2026

Oxford Playhouse 

13 -17 October 2026

Nottingham Playhouse

29 – 31 October 2026 

Warwick Arts Centre

5-7 November 2026

Leeds Playhouse 

11 -14 November 2026

Brighton Dome

17 – 21 November 2026

Bristol Old Vic

2-13 February 2027

★★★★★ “Such an ambitious piece and so life-affirmingly realised. Go.”

The Independent on Barber Shop Chronicles

“This is a work, full of humanity and glancing wit, that one can imagine traveling far and wide.” 

The New York Times on Barber Shop Chronicles

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.