The 14th Tale in schools

Adapted by
Inua Ellams
Dates
25 Sep - 20 Oct 2023
Artist/Company
Inua Ellams

This Fringe First Award-winning show was Inua Ellams’ hilarious and poetic coming-of-age story which followed his real-life journey from his birthplace in Nigeria to the culture-shock of England, charting his trials, tribulations, and mischief-making along the way.

After completing its second tour in autumn of 2016, Inua Ellams’ The 14th Tale visited schools across the UK and was seen by over 1,400 school students. Actor Michael Oku, performed the one-man show and also delivered accompanying workshop sessions.

Funded by Arts Council England. Performed in schools

Creative team

  • Adapted by Inua Ellams
  • Directed by Thierry Lawson

"The 14th Tale comes as a sharp reminder of the power of language and rhythm in theatre, and of how dramatic poetry can create whole worlds through the voice of a single performer. "

The Scotsman (on The 14th Tale)

"If you want a story to demonstrate the power of libraries to change people’s lives, this is it."

The Guardian (on An Evening with an Immigrant)

"Delivered in a voice as sonorous as a steel drum, Ellams's poetry is smooth enough to melt in the ear, yet packed full of snap, crackle and pop. Accompanied by a fluid, simple movement score, his words conjure vivid cartoonish images imbued with atmosphere and detail."

Time Out (on The 14th Tale)

ABB73C5B-A51C-4932-BDF3-C60C9D79146A Created with sketchtool.

Project History

21/10/2016
Walker Technology Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne
20/10/2016
Walbottle
Newcastle upon Tyne
19/10/2016
Benfield School
Newcastle upon Tyne
17/10/2016
Excelsoir Academy
Newcastle upon Tyne
13/10/2016 - 14/10/2016
Sedgehill School
London
11/10/2016
Cardinal Pole
London
06/10/2016 - 07/10/2016
Claremont High School
Harrow
05/10/2016
The Charter School
London
04/10/2016
Kingsbury High School
London
03/10/2016
Lambeth Academy
London