Theatre / Reviews
Review: Anna Hibiscus’ Song, Bristol Old Vic – ‘A vibrant and engaging performance of positivity’
The children’s story book Anna Hisbiscus’ Song written by the Nigerian-born author Atinuke has been wonderfully adapted for the stage and directed by Mojisola Kareem.
Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres have co-produced the stage adaptation of the book written by the Nigerian storyteller Atinuke and Lauren Tobia. The uplifting family production was adapted by Mojisola Kareem, artistic director at Utopia Theatre, after reading the story to her grandchildren.
Anna Hibiscus is a happy little girl who lives in Ibadan, Nigeria. She is very happy, in fact she feels her happiness is going to make her explode.
is needed now More than ever
During the day she asks her grandparents, her parents, her aunt and uncle, her friends what they do when they are happy. Anna is surrounded mostly by busy adults who have things to do and cannot spend all day with her, but she finally discovers a way to express her feelings of joy.
The endearing character of Anna Hibiscus is a handheld puppet cleverly and lithely operated by Saskia Rose
From that simple concept, director Mojisola Kareem creates an hour-long exploration of joy. Told through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling by the six actors, Saska Rose, Althea Burey, Dorthea Darby, Julius Obende, Malick Bojang, and Kehinde Bankole.
All the actors embrace their various roles with warmth and infectious enjoyment, in a show full of vibrancy, joy and happiness.
Kevin Jenkins’ set is bright and vibrant, beautifully recreating a Nigerian front porch, complete with clothes drying on a washing line, while the original songs are catchy and simple enough for small children to join in.
Anna Hibiscus is a happy little girl who lives in Ibadan, Nigeria
With the house lights up and the auditorium given a more intimate in-the-round reconfiguration, the bond between performers and audience is strengthened.
It is a production squarely aimed at very young children, so the minimal story works well and by the time a celebratory dance brings it to a close, we are fully in love with Anna and her family.
The endearing character of Anna Hibiscus is a handheld puppet cleverly and lithely operated by Saskia Rose. It is easy to believe you are watching a real-life little girl: her dancing is a true technical marvel.
All the actors embrace their various roles with warmth and infectious enjoyment, in a show full of vibrancy, joy and happiness
The show is a vibrant and engaging performance of positivity, introducing young minds to African storytelling, songs and dance.
Anna Hibiscus’ Song, is on at the Bristol Old Vic until August 31. For tickets, visit, Anna Hibiscus’ Song | Bristol Old Vic
All photos: Philip Gascoyne
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