Helen Epega’s groundbreaking Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera returns to Wilton’s Music Hall to mark its 10th anniversary, presented by EMCA. Following a sold-out Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room performances, this landmark production continues to push artistic boundaries and champion cultural inclusion.
Blending Western classical music, African percussion and futuristic soundscapes, the opera weaves together Nigerian Pidgin English, Patois, Creole, Cockney, Hip-Hop Vernacular and Multicultural London Slang, redefining opera for a modern audience.
Helen Epega, Composer and Librettist, said:
“It’s incredible to see how this opera has evolved over ten years. This anniversary run is a celebration of everything we’ve built – music, culture and community.
“It’s incredible to see how this opera has evolved over ten years. This anniversary run is a celebration of everything we’ve built – music, culture and community.
A Decade of Innovation in Opera
Since its 2015 debut at The Place Theatre in London, Song Queen: A Pidgin Opera has captivated audiences worldwide, with performances in Lagos, Turin, Bodrum, and Cape Town. This visually and sonically immersive production follows Kenate, a heroine battling for love, identity and redemption in an Afrofuturistic world.
Cast & Creative Team
Helen Epega (Composer, Lead Vocalist), Richard Ọlátúndé Baker (African Percussion), Abdul William (Steel Pans), Francis Angol (Choreographer), Esme Benjamin (Movement Artist), Louisa Martin (Soprano), Francesca Bartolo (Mezzo), Jacob Cole (Tenor), Ted Day (Baritone), Karolina Przasnyska and Manuel Gageiro (Piano).
Executive Producer: Baba Epega | Director: Antoinette Jackman | Stage Manager: Bridget Perise
Critical Acclaim
“This is opera, but not as you know it.” – The Guardian
“A new kind of opera.” – VICE
“Extraordinary.” – OkayAfrica
“Fantastic.” – BBC
“A new kind of opera.” – VICE
“Extraordinary.” – OkayAfrica
“Fantastic.” – BBC
“The world’s first Pidgin English opera” – Creative Boom
“Incredible” – LondonTheatre1
Why This Anniversary Matters
- BSL-Accessible & Creative Captioning – Making opera inclusive for all
- A Celebration of African & Multicultural Voices – A story that reflects cultural diversity
- Visually & Sonically Immersive Performance – Pushing the boundaries of traditional opera
Event Details:
• Dates: 24-26th April 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM (Thurs – Sat) / Sat Matinee 2:30 PM
• Location: Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley,London, E1 8JB
• Ticket Prices: £12.50 – £25 (Full Price) | £10 – £22.50 (Concessions)
• Running Time: 90 mins, including interval
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