Fela! transfers to Sadler's Wells Theatres 20 July

The musical Fela!, which ends its run at the National Theatre on 23 Jan 2011, will transfer to the Sadler's Wells Theatre from 20 July to 28 Aug 2011.

Alistair Spalding, Sadler's Wells Artistic Director comments "FELA! has been a huge success both on Broadway and at the National Theatre and I'm thrilled we are now able to bring it to Sadler's Wells. I have keenly followed the development of the show from its earliest days and it is wonderful to be working once again with Bill T Jones and in partnership with the National. Fela! is an incredibly entertaining combination of dance, music and theatre making it the perfect summer show for Sadler's Wells."

Nicholas Hytner, Director of the National Theatre says "Having FELA! at the National Theatre has been thrilling and unforgettable. Bill T Jones, his creative team and brilliant company created an exhilarating experience in the Olivier Theatre, and audiences came in their droves to dance in the aisles - almost half of them visiting the NT for the first time. I'm delighted that the party isn't over and that London audiences will have another chance to see this extraordinary show at Sadler's Wells."

Fela!, with music by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, had its world premiere at Off-Broadway's 37 Arts in 2008, before transferring to Broadway's Eugene O'Neill Theatre in November 2009. The show opened in London, at the Olivier, National theatre on 16 Nov 2010, following previews from 6 Nov, to positive notices from the popular press: "Quite stunning." (Londontheatre.co.uk); "It's a great story, and one told with enormous verve." (Guardian); "It's a loud, brash, energetic spectacle." (Evening Standard)

Fela! is about the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), Fela! explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician.The show is a hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater.

Originally published on

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