In July 2023 Anna Hibiscus' Song premiered at Sheffield Theatres. Performances of the show, co-produced by Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres, attracted more than 1,000 children and their families at the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse.

We then embarked on a run of shows in Yorkshire community venues with ‘pay what you can’ tickets to make sure the theatre performance was accessible and inclusive for as many families as possible. Venues in Sheffield included The Montgomery, Terry Wright Community Hall, Verdon Recreation Centre, Stannington Community Centre, Riverside Library and Zest Centre & Sports Hall in Upperthorpe, as well as Rotherham Library and Leeds Central Library.

More than 2,000 people came to see the show about a young girl named Anna Hibiscus. Anna lives in amazing Africa. Ibadan, Nigeria to be exact. She Hibiscus is so filled with happiness that she feels like she might float away. And the more she talks to her family about it, the more her happiness grows! There’s only one thing to do...sing! Told through music, dance, puppetry and traditional African storytelling, this theatrical adaptation of Atinuke’s much loved children’s book had audiences beaming from ear to ear. They said:

"This was such an important and joyous story that was brought with love to the children of Sheffield. A thousand thank yous!"

"What a pleasure to come and see your play. It was a magical experience, one the kids thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you so much."

"I went to watch this on Monday. To be honest I think I enjoyed it more than the children did. Such an uplifting play."

"So energising to see so many young children enthralled by the brilliantly talented cast and wonderful story!"

"You guys were phenomenal today! So impressed by your accessible, inclusive and community led theatre, bringing top class theatre to communities! Joy, thank you"