Produced by the Arcola Theatre and the Elufowoju jr Ensemble
World Premiere Production: Arcola Theatre 14 June – 12 July 2025
London June 2025.
The fate of Africa rests solely on the zeal and chivalry of eleven adventurous friends. Their ancestral ‘mother’ gives them seven days to prove to the rest of the world that their fabulous continent is worth celebrating and not burying.
Their journeys traverse 54 countries, countless boundaries, and endless risks. Lives, history, and destinies are rewritten forever.
54.60 Africa is an exhilarating, cross-cultural pan-African encounter, brought to life through word, live music, song, and dance.
It is inspired by the travels of its author who accomplished visiting every one of Africa’s then 54 nations, before his 60th birthday.
The ensemble featured Eastenders’ Suzette Llewellyn, Munashe Chirisa (The Play that Goes Wrong), Uganda’s popular music group The Ganda Boys and several cast members from The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives including Patrice Naiambana (Baba Segi).
Cast
Munashe Chirisa
Liana Cottrill
Ayo-Dele Edwards
Adil Hassan
Usifu Jalloh
Suzette Llewellyn
Christopher Mbaki
Denis Mugagga (The Ganda Boys)
Patrice Naiambana
Funlola Olufunwa
Daniel Sewagudde (The Ganda Boys)
Creative Team
Femi Elufowoju, jr Writer & Director
ULTZ Designer
Emmanuel Edwards Composer, Sound Designer & MD
Charles Balfour Lighting Designer
Kemi Durosinmi Associate Director & Movement Director
Reviews
“A heartfelt tribute to mother Africa and her complex facets: pain, suffering, joy, pride and origin.” Everything Theatre ★★★★★
“This show is nothing short of extraordinary… What Elufowoju seems most preoccupied with here is joy, and with life. And here, we get a lot of it. ” North West End UK ★★★★★
“The ensemble is electric, both energised and loving… every member is at the top of their game, with the ability to dance, sing, and multi-role.” London Pub Theatres Magazine ★★★★
“The 54.60 ensemble have devised, workshopped and developed a rich and engaging theatrical experience.” Afridiziak ★★★★
Image: Charlie Flint Photography
Production Photography: Alex Brenner