From Inua Ellams, the award-winning writer of Barber Shop Chronicles, comes an epic new story of friendship, family and the creation of Nigeria.

An unlikely friendship forms between a slave and her former master. As new enemies emerge, differences in faith, culture and heritage must be put aside in a gripping family drama set against the events that would lead to the creation of modern Nigeria.

Winner of the 2024 Alfred Fagon Award, Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, is a sweeping new play about the bonds that hold us together when the world around us is changing.

Ellams is one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary playwrights, whose acclaimed work includes the international hit Barber Shop Chronicles (Fuel/National Theatre, UK and International tour) and the award-winning The 14th Tale (Fuel/UK tour) and his retelling of Three Sisters (National Theatre).

“There are powers that bind the world together, softer than spirits yet stronger than stone, that tie the river to the tree, the tree to rain clouds, rain clouds to the land, and people to each other.”

Once Upon a Time in Sokoto is presented in association with Touring Together – a new national programme, bringing bold stories which shine a fresh light on the world we live in today, to audiences across the country.

Touring Together is a China Plate and Fuel initiative in collaboration with Brighton Dome, Leeds Playhouse, Oxford Playhouse, Royal and Derngate, Northampton and Warwick Arts Centre, generously supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Part of the LCIP 2026 Programme