“Men are like yam. You cut them how you like.” The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, Arcola Theatre, London. 27.05.25

My most recent book club read was The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin, so it was rather fortuitous timing that the Arcola Theatre recently did a run of the play, adapted by Rotimi Babatunde, and directed by Femi Elufowoju Jr.

With the book fresh in my mind, I went over to Dalston to check it out. I was expecting a heavy evening. The novel tackles a host of difficult themes – child abuse, domestic violence, rape, forced marriage, lack of inheritance rights for women and girls, fertility and mental health (to name just a few) – through the conflict between wives in a polygamous marriage. With all of that to cover, how could it be anything but? And yet, ‘anything but’ is what it was.

“Men are like yam. You cut them how you like.”

Baba Segi has four wives and seven children, a fact he takes immense pride in. The latest addition to his wives is Bolanle, who is young, and university educated. The attention Baba Segi lavishes on her causes upset amongst his other wives, who are cruel to her. But despite his attentions, Bolanle has not conceived a child, a fact that is causing Baba Segi no small amount of consternation. He decides to take drastic action, and in doing so, a shocking secret is revealed that threatens his entire family.

I have nothing but praise for this exceptional cast. This is a group of consummate professionals. I’m conscious I attended towards the end of their run, so they had time to perfect their on-stage chemistry, but that’s not to take away from what was a seamless performance. The last thing I expected was the level of humour they brought to each of their roles, making this a joy to watch despite the often-troubling subject matter.

For me, Patrice Naiambana really stole the show as Baba Segi. His comedic timing and energy had the audience in stitches throughout. There is a particularly lewd scene which in the book has you cringing with discomfort, but in the play had the entire audience screaming with laughter, due in no small part of Naiambana’s hysterical performance.

Each of the wives was depicted beautifully, and exactly as they came across in the book. Bolanle (Dolapo Oni) is reserved, troubled, but kind. Iya Segi (Kemi Adekoya) is the matriarch of the house; intelligent and assertive. Iya Tope (Christina Oshunniyi) is childlike and hates confrontation, seeking only peace. Iya Femi (Mofe Akande) is fierce, arrogant and fanatical. Together, Iya Segi and Iya Femi scheme against Bolanle, unwittingly risking what is most important to them.

Tania Nwachukwu, Diana Yekinni, Ayan De First, Usifu Jalloh, and Ayo-Dele Edwards complete the cast and do a brilliant job portraying an array of supporting characters. The whole cast partakes in singing and dancing, which knits together different scenes and brings Yoruba culture to life on stage.

The cast are even more impressive given they work with no set and barely any props. They have to use their words and movements to set the scene and keep the audience’s attention, but they do so masterfully.

Adult themes and jokes make this one inappropriate for younger audiences. Indeed, the theatre recommends that it is unsuitable for those under the age of 18 and provides a care pack to pre-warn audience members of potential triggers. But I urge you not to be put off by that if the opportunity comes up to see this in the future. This is an incredible adaptation. It is VERY rare that I would say I prefer a play to the book it is based on, but in this case, it is certainly true.

The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives was the perfect combination of drama, humour and tragedy. It evoked vocal reactions and emotions from the audience. One moment it was sombre, the next upbeat. And in parts, it was side-splittingly funny. I came with only moderate expectations, and left feeling like I’d seen something truly great.

Unfortunately, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives did a brief run at Arcola Theatre, and I only managed to get in right before it ended, so it is no longer showing. However, keep an eye out for a repeat run or other Elufowoju jr Ensemble productions. If this one is anything to go by, it will be well worth it!