In Princess Essex travel back in time to 1908 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex into the world of beauty pageants where Princess Dinubolu of Senegal makes history as the first black woman to enter a UK beauty pageant. Book Princess Essex tickets on London Theatre.
Based on a true story, Princess Essex in London is part history lesson, part comedy, as Anne Odeke (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), who wrote the play and is the actress in this one-woman show, brings the story to life. This show gives voice to the little-known historical figure of Princess Dinubolu. Throughout the tale, authenticity is celebrated, and stereotypes are challenged.
Princess Essex is a play with an exceptional creative team, including Robin Belfield (Twelfth Night), who is making his Globe directing debut. Simon Slater (Constellations) is the Olivier Award-nominated composer, and Hayley Grindle (Unbelievable) is the designer.
This play was commissioned by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. Its first performance was on 12 November 2020, and since then, the show has seen success touring starting February 2022 thanks to the support of the Arts Council England, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Matthew Schmolle, The Mercury Theatre Colchester, Creative Estuary, and the South Essex African & Caribbean Association (SEACA).
The show, with its moments of humour and the brilliant display of Anne Odeke’s acting prowess, has been a hit with audiences and critics. As the Southend Theatre Scene’s five-star review said, “Odeke’s one woman show takes us on an hour long journey from 1908 to present day and is packed full of historic facts and re-enactments that are often hilarious, frequently shocking but consistently entertaining.”
Over 100 years after she made history, Princess Dinubolu is finally being recognized both on and off stage. In fact, in 2023, a blue plaque was unveiled at Southend Victoria Station that reads, “Princess Dinubolu arrived at this station in August 1908 on her way to Southend Kursaal. The first woman of colour known to have entered a British beauty pageant.”
13th September, 2024
26th October, 2024
All Ages. Please note: some of Shakespeare’s Plays explore scenes which some children may find upsetting.
Location: Fringe/Off West End
Railway station: London Bridge
Directions from tube: Exit the station, following signs for the River Thames/South Bank. As you reach the river, head west and the Globe is by the Tate Modern on the south side of the river.
Book tickets to Princess Essex, or sign up to receive the latest news and show alerts.
Day of week | Matinee | Evening |
---|---|---|
Monday | - | 7:30 PM |
Tuesday | - | 7:30 PM |
Wednesday | 2:00 PM | - |
Thursday | 2:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
Friday | - | 7:30 PM |
Saturday | - | 7:30 PM |
Sunday | - | - |
Anne Odeke wrote and stars in Princess Essex, a one-woman show that is based on the true story of the Princess Dinubolu of Senegal, the first black woman to enter a UK beauty pageant.
Princess Essex - Globe is playing at Globe Theatre. The theatre is located at Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT.
Book tickets for Princess Essex - Globe on London Theatre.
The recommended age for Princess Essex - Globe is All Ages. Please note: some of Shakespeare’s Plays explore scenes which some children may find upsetting..
Tickets for Princess Essex - Globe start at £8.
Anne Odeke wrote the play.
Robin Belfield makes his Globe Theatre directorial debut in Princess Essex.
There is no official age guideline for this play. However, please note that there are themes and scenes in the play related to misogyny, racism, ableism, sexual assault, and violence that may not be suitable for young children.
Princess Essex is a wonderful play infused with little talked-about moments in history and moments of comedy. The show displays the immense talent Anne Odeke has and includes an expert creative team.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy