“GIRLS”: THERESA IKOKO’S AWARD-WINNING PLAY ARRIVES AT THE YOUNG VIC

Ten years after its first premiere, Theresa Ikoko’s powerful play Girls arrives at London’s Young Vic this autumn, bringing a deeply human story of friendship, survival and resilience to the Maria Theatre.

Running from 22nd October to 21st November 2026, Girls is directed by Ewa Dina, winner of the 2026 JMK Award, in her Young Vic debut. The production marks a return to the stage for Ikoko’s acclaimed play, which won the Alfred Fagon Award in 2015 and the George Devine Award in 2016, as well as being a finalist for the Verity Bargate Award.

Set in Nigeria in 2014, Girls follows teenagers Tisana, Haleema and Ruhab, three best friends navigating the everyday concerns of teenage life – from celebrities and relationships to food and friendships. Their lives are upended when they are kidnapped by militant insurgents and forced into an uncertain future.

Separated from the world they know, the three girls are left to rely on one another as fear, trauma and religious differences begin to test their friendship. At its heart, Girls explores the strength of human connection and the difficult choices people are forced to make when survival is at stake.

The production brings together an exciting creative team, with Ewa Dina at the helm alongside set and costume designer Raphaé Memon, lighting designer Simisola Majekodunmi, composer féz, sound designer Munotida Chinyanga and movement director dkfash. The cast features Hannah Akhalu as Tisana, Tara Tijani as Haleema and Sewa Zamba as Ruhab.

For director Ewa Dina, Girls marks the next stage of her journey following her 2026 JMK Award win. The JMK Award supports emerging theatre directors and enables its recipient to create a production at the Young Vic, with Dina selecting Ikoko’s Girls for her award production.

Ten years on from its original staging, Girls arrives at the Young Vic with its themes of friendship, identity, faith and survival remaining as resonant as ever. Through the experiences of three young women, Ikoko’s play offers an intimate and compelling portrait of what it means to hold onto each other when everything around you has changed.

Girls runs at the Young Vic’s Maria Theatre from 22nd October to 21st November 2026, with performances Monday to Saturday at 8pm and Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3pm.

Book your tickets here.

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