Esther's Revenge

An award-winning, powerful and thought-provoking theatre experience where the audience decides the verdict.

Following a sold-out summer tour across England, Esther's Revenge returns to Utopia Theatre in Sheffield for three final performances in 2026.

Inspired by the true story of Esther Ada Johnson, a woman sentenced to death in colonial Lagos in 1953 for killing her white lover, Esther's Revenge explores themes of justice, power, race and the treatment of women within the colonial justice system.

Written and directed by Kenneth Uphopho and performed by Bola Stephen-Atitebi, this gripping solo performance brings Esther's story to life through physical theatre, storytelling and audience participation.

Taking the form of a courtroom, Esther presents her case directly to the audience, inviting them to listen to the evidence, question what they hear and ultimately decide her fate.

Every performance offers a different experience, with audiences across the world reaching different verdicts.

Having been performed more than 80 times across Nigeria, South Africa, the UK and the US, Esther's Revenge has received international recognition, including the Brighton Fringe International Encore Award, which led to an Off-Broadway residency at SoHo Playhouse in New York.

Now, the production returns to Sheffield, offering audiences another opportunity to experience this moving story and take part in the conversation.

Performance Details

Venue: Utopia Theatre Creative Hub, 11 Rockingham Gate, Sheffield, S1 4JD

Dates and Times:

• Wednesday 25 November 2026 – 7:00pm
• Saturday 28 November 2026 – 4:00pm
• Sunday 29 November 2026 – 6:00pm

Tickets: £15

Creative Team

Writer and Director: Kenneth Uphopho
Performer: Bola Stephen-Atitebi
Producer: Pawstudios Africa

What the Critics Say

"Heart-wrenching and often devastating." — London Box Office

"An ambitious and affecting production... powerhouse of a central performance." — FringeReview