The critically acclaimed production of SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY has revealed its initial casting.
Running at the Lyric Hammersmith from June, it marks the UK premiere of this new production.
Written by Jocelyn Bioh (winner of 2022 Stage Debut Award for Best Director), the initial cast are:
- 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)
- Tara Tijani (Death in Paradise - BBC)
With further casting to be announced, the production will be directed by Monique Touko.
Set in Ghana's prestigious Aburi Girls Boarding School during the 1980s, the award-winning show is full of hilarity and joy, as it explores universal similarities (and glaring differences) faced by teenage girls worldwide.
Queen Bee Paulina and her crew excitedly await the arrival of the Miss Ghana pageant recruiter. It's clear that Paulina is in top position to take the title until her place is threatened by Ericka - a beautiful and talented new transfer student. As the friendship group's status quo is upended, who will be chosen for Miss Ghana and at what cost?
Creatives on the production are: set design by Paul Wills, costume design by Kinnetia Isidore, wigs, hair and make-up design by Cynthia De La Rosa, lighting design by Matt Haskins, sound design by Tony Gayle, movement by Aline David and casting by Julia Horan CDG.
The show's writer, Jocelyn Bioh said: "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!"
Monique Touko adds: "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."
School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play has already seen success across the pond, with over 60 productions performed across America. The UK premiere will run from 8 June till 15 July, and tickets are on sale now!
The fifth cast has been announced for the next West End run of 2:22 - A GHOST STORY at the 