BAP Productions’ ‘Dear Kaffy’ Sells Out London Run as Nigerian Theatre Wins Over UK Audiences

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BAP Productions’ “DEAR KAFFY” Sells Out London Run, Earns Critical Acclaim Adedeji AdeyanjuAugust 15, 20262 minute read Read Later (0) BAP Productions’ London staging of Dear Kaffy – Diary of a Single Woman in Lagos has closed to strong acclaim, with full houses at every performance and positive reviews from audiences, critics, and theatre enthusiasts. The production which ran from August 7 – 9 at the Shaw Theatre, Euston Road, London, introduced the energy, humour, and storytelling of Nigerian theatre 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, performances, and storytelling, noting its ability to present a distinctly Nigerian narrative in a way that felt accessible and engaging to London audiences. A key outcome of the run was growing demand for more Nigerian theatre in the UK. Audience members and theatre stakeholders have 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 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, 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 is exploring the possibility of making London a regular stop on its international theatre calendar. The response from London audiences was clear: Nigerian theatre is ready for the world – and London is ready for more.

BAP Productions’ Dear Kaffy – Diary of a Single Woman in Lagos has wrapped up its London run on a high note, with packed performances, enthusiastic audiences and strong praise from theatre lovers.

The production ran from August 7 to 9 at the Shaw Theatre on Euston Road, London, bringing the humour, energy and distinctly Nigerian storytelling of the stage production to audiences in the UK.

From the opening performance to the final curtain, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Audiences applauded, laughed throughout the shows and gave the production standing ovations, highlighting the connection the story made with both Nigerians in the diaspora and the wider London theatre audience.

London Audiences Call for More Nigerian Theatre

Beyond the successful performances, the London engagement appears to have created a bigger opportunity for Nigerian theatre in the UK.

Audience members and theatre stakeholders have encouraged BAP Productions to make London a regular destination, with calls for the company to return every summer with a new production.

That response could potentially pave the way for an annual BAP Productions theatre season in London, giving audiences a regular opportunity to experience Nigerian stories and performances on the UK stage.

The reception also underlines the growing interest in African stories beyond the continent, particularly productions that combine local experiences with themes that international audiences can easily connect with.

Bolanle Austen-Peters Reacts to the Sold-Out Shows

Bolanle Austen-Peters, director of the production, expressed her appreciation to audiences who supported the London engagement.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who came out to see Dear Kaffy. The response has been extraordinary.”

She added that having full houses at every performance, alongside repeated requests for the production company to return, was an encouraging sign for the future of African theatre internationally.

For BAP Productions, the response represents more than a successful three-day run. It strengthens the company’s ambition to take Nigerian stories, performers and productions to audiences around the world.

Strong Support Behind the London Production

The London staging was supported by Access Bank UK, with contributions and partnerships involving 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, University of Westminster and Bridge Clinic.

Their support helped bring the Nigerian production to an international audience and contributed to its successful London presentation.

BAP Productions Eyes More International Stages

Following the strong response in London, BAP Productions is considering making the city a regular stop on its international theatre calendar.

The success of Dear Kaffy adds to the growing visibility of Nigerian theatre outside the country and shows that stories rooted in Nigerian experiences can attract audiences far beyond Nigeria.

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