Take a behind-the-scenes look at the cast of Girls in rehearsal ahead of a run at the Young Vic. The award winning play from Theresa Ikoko tells the powerful story of friendship tested under the most dangerous of circumstances.
The Young Vic has released brand-new images of the cast of Girls in rehearsal, ahead of previews on 22 October 2026. The play is written by Theresa Ikoko and directed by Ewa Dina, winner of the 2026 JMK Award, which offers one young director the opportunity to direct a full-scale professional play.
Ikoko’s powerful play also won the Alfred Fagon Award (2015) and the George Devine Award (2016), and was a finalist for the Verity Bargate Award.
Girls runs from 22 October to 21 November 2026, with press night on 27 October.
Book tickets for Girls at the Young Vic
Photos: Hannah Akhalu, Tara Tijani and Sewa Zamba in rehearsals for Girls
The cast and creative team
Ikoko’s play follows best friends Tisana, Haleema and Ruhab, who love spending their time swapping notes on celebrities, sex positions and dodging carbs. But when they are kidnapped by militant insurgents, they have only each other to turn to. As fear and religious differences begin to fracture their bond, how far can their friendship be tested before it breaks?
The cast of Girls includes:
- Hannah Akhalu (Cinderella, Every Leaf a Hallelujah) as Tisana
- Tara Tijani (Beauty or Beast? A series of interviews, A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Haleema
- Sewa Zamba (Jaja’s African Hair Braiding) as Ruhab
Director Ewa Dina leads a creative team that includes set and costume design by Raphaé Memon, lighting design by Elliott Griggs, composition by féz, sound design by Munotida Chinyanga, movement direction by dkfash, video design and programming by Sophie Bramley, and fight and intimacy direction by Haruka Kuroda.
Plan Your Visit
- Venue: Young Vic,
- Booking dates: from 22 October until 21 November 2026
- Performance schedule: Monday to Saturday evenings; Wednesday and Saturday matinees
- Running time: TBC
- Age requirements: 12+
Young Vic Theatre, London
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