Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has revealed casting for its forthcoming revival of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.
The UK première of this critically acclaimed comedy by Jocelyn Bioh is directed by The Stage Debut Award Best Director winner Monique Touko.
The cast will include Heather Agyepong (The Power – Amazon Prime), Bola Akeju (Ted Lasso – Apple TV), Deborah Alli (Undercover – BBC), Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (Bad Education – BBC), Jadesola Odunjo (You – Netflix) and Tara Tijani (Death in Paradise – BBC), with additional casting to be announced.
The comedy starts its run at the Lyric Hammersmith on 8 June, playing to 15 July 2023.
Writer Jocelyn Bioh said in a press statement: “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is a love letter to young Black girls. I wanted to highlight all that is beautiful and special about us and our place in this world. This play celebrates our humor, joy, heartbreaks, and the deep journey I went on to owning my beauty. I never imagined that I would have an opportunity to share this play with an audience outside of New York City, so I am beyond thrilled to make my UK playwriting debut at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. This is such a dream come true; and that I get to work with such an incredible director, cast and design team is the cherry on top of the most delicious theatrical cake!”
Director Monique Touko said: “I visited Aburi School for Girls, the school that inspired Jocelyn, on a trip to Ghana at the beginning of the year, and I was reminded of how important the story of and representation in School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play is. The play is a comedy with universal appeal and explores the vulnerable, tender moments of teenagehood. These nuanced and jubilant portrayals of Black women aren’t seen on stage or screen enough. We have a stellar cast and creative team bringing this message to London and I’m so excited to work with the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre for the show’s UK premiere.”
Currently playing at the Lyric Hammersmith is The Good Person of Szechwan, until 13 May 2023.
Book tickets to School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play at the Lyric Hammersmith in London
Lyric Hammersmith, London
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