Cast announced for Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini’s Sleepova at Bush theatre

Casting has been announced for Sleepova at London’s Bush theatre.

The world premiere of Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini’s piece opens 24 February and runs to 8 April 2023.

An ode to black women and their boundless spirits and wild dreams, the new Bush commission will mark the stage debut of three actresses including Bukky Bakray (Rocks), who at 19, became the youngest BAFTA Rising Star Award recipient as well as one of the youngest ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’ nominees.

The cast also features Amber Grappy, Aliyah Odoffin and Shayde Sinclair.

‘We don’t get to choose when we become women, y’know?’

Join Rey, Elle, Shan, and Funmi. Armed with sugary snacks, school gossip, and secret questions they can only ask each other, their sleepovas are pretty much a sacred space for them.

As each year tugs them further into adulthood and life doesn’t pan out quite as they imagined they struggle to hold on to a friendship that they swore would last a lifetime.

The production is directed by Jade Lewis with set and costume design by Cara Evans, lighting design by Elliot Griggs, sound design by XANA, composer Romarna Campbell, movement director Gabrielle Nimo, costume supervisor Imogen Brown, dramaturgy Deirdre O’Halloran, casting director Jatinda Chera, production manager Pete Rickards for eStage, company stage manager – Lucy Ventham and assistant stage manager Sophie Haliburn.

Bush Theatre Artistic Director Lynette Linton said: “Sleepova is funny, moving and brilliantly reflects nights spent alongside young black women. I’m can’t wait to see this fantastic script on stage and am excited to continue the Bush tradition of introducing fresh talent to the theatre.”

For more information and tickets, visit bushtheatre.co.uk