Staged at the Shaw Theatre on Euston Road from August 7 to 9, the production offered London audiences a vibrant mix of Nigerian humour, culture and storytelling, further showcasing the appeal of homegrown African theatre on the international stage.
Throughout its London run, the play reportedly drew enthusiastic responses, with audiences responding with laughter, applause and standing ovations. The reception also reflected the production’s ability to connect with both Nigerians living in the diaspora and members of the wider London theatre community.
Beyond the entertainment value, Dear Kaffy was praised for its performances, storytelling and distinctly Nigerian perspective. The production presented everyday experiences through a Nigerian lens while making the themes accessible to audiences from different backgrounds.
One of the notable outcomes of the London engagement was the growing demand for more Nigerian theatre productions in the UK. Some audience members and theatre stakeholders reportedly urged BAP Productions to make London a regular destination, with calls for the company to return every summer with a fresh production.
The success of Dear Kaffy also points to the increasing appetite for African stories and live theatre on international stages. For BAP Productions, the London run further supports its objective of taking Nigerian stories, creative talent and theatrical productions to audiences beyond Nigeria.
The London staging was sponsored by Access Bank UK, with support from 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.
Speaking on the reception, BAP Productions Director, Bolanle Austen-Peters, expressed appreciation to the audience, sponsors and partners who contributed to the production’s London outing.
“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,” she said.
She added, “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.”
With its successful London engagement, Dear Kaffy has added to the growing visibility of Nigerian theatre abroad, while demonstrating the potential for locally rooted stories to connect with international audiences.