"Once Upon A Time In Sokoto" by Inua Ellams.

Nottingham Playhouse.

"Once Upon a Time in Sokoto" explores the historical events shaping Nigeria's formation, giving an opportunity to show an important period of African history through the lens of personal narratives and family relationships. It tells the story of a friendship forged between a formerly enslaved woman, Nafisa Sarauniya, and her former master, Zinari Zangina from 1865 to the British conquest of 1903. This relationship though didn't start off on the best of terms due to them both being married to the same man.

Once the actors took to the stage, they introduced themselves and taught the audience a traditional “call and response”, called a Hausa. The show is performed using traditional storytelling, so there are often switches between the action, addressing the audience to explain various changes in times, location etc.

The actors all play multiple roles, which are all really well defined, pushing the story, and the traditional style of story telling on. The difference in the secondary characters are defined by costume changes and the storyline that leads up to the various characters, so don't worry about understanding who is who in the story.

Nafisa Sarauniya is played by Adeola Yemitan. Nafisa is the real feisty character, especially the way that she makes sure that her lovers keep her satisfied. The relationship between her former "owner", who actually saved her life, and is now the fellow wife, is less than friendly but a change comes about when politics change.

Zinari Zangina, a wealthy, Muslim entrepreneurial noblewoman, is played by Antonia Layiwola.

Hadiru Zhango is played by Bayo Gbadamosi. Hadiru was originally selected by Zinari’s father to protect her, but later became Zinari’s husband.

Yusef Dawdu, Zinari's father, is played by Will Atiomo.

What I especially love about this piece of theatre is the glorious story telling, and there were times when I closed my eyes, just for a short time, to take in this talent, because not everyone can relate a story and keep you gripped just by their voice alone.

The timeline of the events is given  so you know exactly at what stage of the story you are up to. History has never been so interesting and I love a show that entertains me as well as educates me, and this is one show that ticks both of those boxes. The depiction of slavery and the way that the women are treated in slavery is quite horrific, without showing too much, but it needs to told in an accurate manner. The timeline also creates an historical record of major events in the UK as well as abroad.

There's plenty of comedy in the script as well. One particular phrase that is in use even today is "many ways to skin a cat", which caused quite a stir with the Egyptians, who we all know treat cats as Gods.

Directed by Roy Alexander Weise.

Set Designer is Amelia Jane Hankin. This is an interesting one because when you walk into the theatre there's a large circular construction, almost like a mini circus tent, which we then see being deconstructed to create settings for all of the other scenes. Combine that with two pairs of wooden steps leading to two other platforms, all of which can be moved around for some of the other scenes. A very clever use and reuse of just a few sections of a set.

Movement Direction is by Coral Messam.

Set and Lighting Design Neill Brinkworth. 

Costumes  are by Jessica Cabassa. 

The music is composed by Femi Temowo and is as rich as the story the actors relate. As soon as you walk into the theatre, the scene and mood is set with the original music, which plays through most of the show and the interval. It's almost a sensory experience.

If only my history lessons at school had been this exciting, I may have paid more attention in class.

"Once Upon A Time In Sokoto" is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 31 October.