There are some productions that are created to not only entertain but to bring together communities. We may be “home” in this country and yet we seek connection to our heritage through food, the arts, film, culture and music.
MW the Musical is a new musical that brings this connection to life with a Nollywood musical theatre experience which captivated the audience with compelling stories that delved into the complexities of marital and romantic relationships. We meet four groups of neighbours who live on the same compound, each group offers up a different insight into the issues that married couples and singles face in modern Nigeria. As we meet each character we also gain an understanding of the different dynamics of human relationships and how gender and societal pressures shape our life experiences.
The production integrates a fantastic music score and choreography using Afrobeats and Nigerian music to bring the stories to life. I particularly enjoyed the wardrobe and styling of the show and the dancers were a delightful inclusion.
The cast is an impressive one featuring Nollywood stars Kehinde Bankole (Boma), Bimbo Ademoye (Nkiru) and Nedu “Wazobia” Ani (Okenwa) who were absolutely brilliant and their fellow cast mates were integral to the vibrant nature of the show; Banke Adetumbi (Peju) was particularly outstanding with her vocal range and ability whilst Oluchi Odii(Ini), Floyd Igbo (Lanre) and Chidi Okeke (Fola) all gave strong performances.
As a fan of Nollywood I have grown accustomed to certain subjects and topics being handled clumsily at times, that was not necessarily the case with MW the Musical. Overall the core topics which included infidelity and baby loss were handled well. I did take issue with the balance of power and redemption that seemed to favour the male characters; which again is typical of Nollywood but I think it would have been refreshing to see something slightly different. The musical did however present some daring themes which I appreciated and valued.
Stage shows should bring us together and make us feel like we’re home.
MW The Musical did just that.
Directed and Produced by Tunde Adegbola
Music Director Timi Olajobi
Choreographer Neema Mwande
Co-Producers Kehinde Bankole, Tunji Falana and Robins Ede
Need to know: MW the Musical plays at The Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music London, from Fri Mar 29 to Sun Mar 31 2024. See listing.
