World Premiere: Once Upon a Time in Sokoto at Oxford Playhouse

There is a distinct, electric charge in the air on Beaumont Street when a major world premiere comes to town. As the crisp October evening settles over the city, the glowing marquee of the theatre becomes a beacon for culture lovers, drawing in a crowd buzzing with that rare thrill of being the very first to witness a new masterpiece. It is the kind of night where the usual academic quiet of Oxford gives way to intense, hushed anticipation before the heavy velvet curtain finally rises.

This autumn, the undisputed centrepiece of that excitement is Once Upon a Time in Sokoto. Penned by internationally celebrated playwright Inua Ellams—the genius behind the smash-hit Barber Shop Chronicles—and directed by Roy Alexander Weise, this staggering new family drama explores the complex, deeply layered history that led to the creation of Nigeria. Having already secured the prestigious 2024 Alfred Fagon Award, this is far more than just a play; it is a monumental theatrical event that is firmly putting Oxford on the national arts map for the season.

Event	World Premiere of Once Upon a Time in Sokoto
Dates	Tuesday 13 October – Saturday 17 October 2026
Time	19:30
Venue	Oxford Playhouse, 11-12 Beaumont Street, OX1 2LW
Tickets	From £15 (subject to a £2.75 booking fee)
Booking	Official Oxford Playhouse Box Office

Epic Storytelling Meets Intimate Drama

To sit in the auditorium during an Inua Ellams production is to be swept up in a masterclass of rhythm and scale. The sheer weight of the narrative—bridging generations and continents—feels magnificent, yet the production manages to distil these sweeping historical epics into raw, fiercely personal family dynamics. You can expect lyrical, intensely sharp dialogue that echoes perfectly around the historic walls, demanding your complete attention. The traditional proscenium arch framing this vibrant, modern production makes every sudden gasp, every tense silence, and every hard-won revelation feel incredibly close to the bone.

A City of Thoughtful Theatregoers

The beauty of experiencing a premiere in this university city lies entirely in the crowd it draws. The foyer fills early with a vibrant, eclectic mix of local arts enthusiasts, literature students clutching their glossy programmes, and visiting critics quietly taking notes. When the interval lights come up, a frantic, joyful exchange of opinions breaks out over glasses of wine by the bar. Once the final applause finally dies down and the doors open, you can practically hear the animated post-show debates spilling out onto the pavements, with wrapped-up attendees dissecting the complex political and emotional threads of the performance well into the autumn night.

Know Before You Go

• When: The production runs strictly from Tuesday 13 October to Saturday 17 October 2026. Evening performances begin promptly at 19:30.
• Where: Oxford Playhouse, located at 11-12 Beaumont Street in the city centre.
• Tickets: Prices start from £15, subject to a £2.75 booking fee. Given the pedigree of the creative team, securing your seats well in advance via the official website is highly recommended.
• Practical Tips: Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance, so plan to arrive at least thirty minutes early. The venue is brilliantly central, but parking directly outside is heavily restricted—opt for the park and ride services or the nearby Gloucester Green underground car park.

Make a Weekend of It

Attending a major show at the Oxford Playhouse is the perfect excuse to soak up the city's sophisticated side. Start your afternoon directly across the street by indulging in the delightfully whimsical Alice in Wonderland themed Afternoon Tea at Macdonald Randolph Hotel, complete with Victorian Gothic surroundings and white chocolate pocket watches.

For a livelier pre-theatre dinner, you have superb options just a short stroll away. Tuck into a blast-cooked, 20-hour proven sourdough pizza at Franco Manca Oxford on George Street, or seek out the award-winning Roman-style crispy bases and a craft pint at the independent, family-run The White Rabbit Oxford, tucked away in Friars Entry.

If you are travelling into the city and need a peaceful, practical base, head just north of the centre to easyHotel Oxford in leafy Summertown. The next morning, you can wander back into town to debrief on the play over a brilliant Eggs Benedict and locally sourced bacon at the Oxford Brunch Bar, before spending your late morning browsing the artisan butchers, fishmongers, and vibrant independent traders inside the historic Oxford Covered Market.

I will certainly be securing my tickets early for this one—see you in the stalls! Warmly, Alyssa.