Closex
Fela!
A new show exploring the unique music and lifestyle of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Operated by The Society of London Theatre
Fela!
National Theatre Olivier, South Bank, London
Fela! is a provocative and unique hybrid of dance, theatre and music which explores the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Co-written, directed and choreographed by Bill T Jones (Spring Awakening), Fela! reveals Nigerian-born Kuti's controversial life as an artist, commune founder, polygamist and political activist, using Kuti's pioneering music - which blended jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies - to tell the story.
Fela! premiered off-Broadway before going on to enjoy a highly successful run on Broadway, where it is still playing. The leads from that production - Sahr Ngaujah, Kevin Mambo - now come to London to alternate in the role of Fela at the National Theatre, joining a new British cast.
Fela! director Jones is the Tony Award-winning director of musical Spring Awakening, which recently won several Laurence Olivier Awards for its West End run.
Cast & CreativesEXPAND
cast: Lydie Alberto, Cindy Belliot, Nandi Bhebhe, Ricardo Coke Thomas, Scarlette Douglas, Jacqui Dubois, Poundo Gomis, Paulette Ivory, Aisha Jawando, Jazmine Jarret Thorpe, Wanjiru Kamuyu, Nyron Levy, Tamara McKoy Patterson, Ira Mandela Siobhan, Melanie Marshall, Shelley-Ann Maxwell, Catia Moto da Cruz, Sahr Ngaujah, Pamela Okoroafor, Thierry Picaut, Jermaine Rowe, Craig Stein
director: Bill T Jones
music by: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, additional music by Aaron Johnson and Jordan McLean
lyrics by: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, additional lyrics by Jim Lewis
book By: Jim Lewis and Bill T Jones
sound: Robert Kaplowitz
lighting designer: Robert Wierzel
choreographer: Bill T Jones
designer: Marina Draghici
producer: National Theatre in association with Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Roy Gabay, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Edward Tyler Nahem, Slava Smolokowski, Chip Meyrelles/ken Greiner, Douglas G Smith, Steve Semlitz/Cathy Glazer, Daryl Roth/True Love Productions, Susan Dietz/Mort Swinsky, Knitting Factory Entertainment, Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson
Ticket Prices:
£10-£44
About the show
- Age Suitability: General
- Genre: Musical
- Sub-Genre: Musical-Drama
- Show Times: In repertoire, check with box office for details
- opening night:
- Box Office:
020 7452 3000 - Visit the Show Website
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Venue InformationHIDE
National Theatre Olivier
South Bank, London, United Kingdom, SE1 9PX
- Nearest tube: Waterloo (250m), Southwark
- Nearest bus: 76, 77, 211, 507, D1, D11, P11 (York Road)149, P11 (Stamford Street)1, 4, 26, 68, X68, 76, 168, 171, 171A, 176, 188, 501, 505, 521 (Waterloo Bridge)
- Nearest train: Waterloo (approx. 250m)
- Parking: 5 spaces reserved for orange badge holders at riverside end of Cottesloe Ave. 4 extra bays opposite Cottesloe theatre for evening performances. Car Park beneath theatre. Spaces reserved for disabled customers near lifts. Free parking voucher available from box office for orange badge holders (present ticket at information desk). Automatic doors and ramps from the Car Park to the lobby and lift.
- Air conditioned: 1
- Download an Enabled Map
Venue Access InformationEXPAND
- How to book: Tel 020 7452 3000 Information Desk 020 7452 3400
- Telephones: There is a public cash telephone at Circle bar level.
- Discounts: Discounts available for all disabled people.
- Limited mobility: Please ask to be seated in an aisle seat in the centre Stalls when you book.
- Access description: Main entrance reached from Upper Ground via Theatre Avenue to Theatre Square and a drop off point approx. 40m from main entrance. Lifts up to the Olivier Theatre to right of information desk (to both Stalls and Circle levels) or staircases further in on each side (49 steps to Stalls, further 44 to Circle). Olivier Box office on level 2. No steps to the back of the Stalls, 10 steps up to raised sections. Centre Stalls auditorium has gradual shallow steps with a handrail on aisles 2 and 4. Lift to row G of Circle and 18 steps down to the front. Power assisted doors and ramps to terraces from Level 2.
- Hearing impaired: Infra-red system with headsets or neck loops. Collect headsets/loops from box offices. Induction loops at service counters.
- Guide dogs policy: Guide dogs are not currently allowed in the auditorium, however staff are happy to dog sit. Dogs will be looked after in the cloakroom. Groups should contact the theatre manager’s office on 020 7452 3281.
- Wheelchairs: Lift to the Olivier Stalls. 3 spaces for wheelchair users in row R. A companion can sit next to the left-hand space in row R, or in the row. Transfer seating is available to aisle seats - wheelchairs stored at back of auditorium.
- Toilets: Women’s and men’s at Stalls and Circle levels.
- Disabled toilets: Adapted WC on the left side of the Stalls corridor.
- Bars: 6 licensed bars. Access information: No steps to the Olivier Stalls and Circle bars (spacious, moveable seats) from the lifts. Soft drinks may be brought to disabled customers in the auditorium. Chair lift down a flight of steps to the Circle café from level 3 - contact a member of staff for assistance. The menu is available in large print.