Oliva Tweest - The AfroMusical

  • Yinka Ayinde

The idea for the show was conceived by presenter-producer Yinka Ayinde, (PureYinkz) six years ago. His debut version of the show sold-out at the West End’s Lyric Theatre to a notably new audience, the majority of whom had never been to the theatre before. Following its success, the musical received Arts Council England (ACE) funding for a short run at Hackney Empire in September 2014, which led to further funding support from ACE and Stage One for an industry workshop presentation at St James Theatre in May 2015. In 2016 with support from the British Council the musical was presented as a Flash-Mob inspired performance at the Lagos Theatre Festival in Nigeria. Oliva Tweest was then selected for BEAM (UKs leading showcase for new musicals). The Musical was picked up by the Barbican Arts Centre and presented as a work-in-progress industry sharing to promote this fresh and innovative take on British musical theatre. Yinka said: “It’s a dream come true for me to see the show going on tour. We have been given so much support and encouragement to get to this point.” Ambitious London hustler and club-promoter Tobi has no problem winning female attention but yearns to shake off his shady reputation and move up in the world. Always wanting more, he plans the ultimate show to attract his idol D’Banj, naming it after the musician’s global hit Oliver Twist. This spectacular musical follows Tobi on a journey of self-discovery, as his efforts to impress lead him into comedic and sometimes explosive confrontations with women, family tradition, and his reawakened conscience. Featuring popular and original hit songs performed by live band and refreshing high-energy choreography for a new era of musical entertainment.