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The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is funny, bold, and moving. What sounds like a traditional setup — a wealthy Nigerian man with multiple wives — turns out to be a feminist, sharp, and modern story about sex, secrecy, and survival.
I saw the original 2018 production, which was full of energy, sparkle, and precision. This revival doesn’t quite reach those same heights, but the heart of the play is still strong. The story unfolds with wit and feeling, using physical theatre, Yoruba music, and classical storytelling to create something that’s rich with personality and alive with entertainment.
Sex is treated with humour and honesty, and the ensemble performances are charismatic and nuanced. The chemistry between the cast carries the play through its shifts in tone — from laugh-out-loud funny to painfully bittersweet.
The ending offers no easy answers. It plays out like a modern fable, something Chaucerian, with a quiet moral underneath.
While this version may not quite match the magic of the 2018 run, it still brings a lot to the table: a powerful story told with warmth, humour, and sharp insight.
By Tasnim Siddiqa Amin
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is currently showing until Saturday 7th June at the Arcola Theatre. To find out more about the production, visit here…
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