Queen Idia the Musical is an epic new Nigerian-British musical inspired by the extraordinary true story of Queen Idia, the legendary warrior queen, strategist, diplomat, and mother of the 16th-century Benin Kingdom in present-day Nigeria.
Told through an electrifying fusion of Afrobeats, spoken word poetry, and powerful choral music, the musical transports audiences into one of Africa’s greatest kingdoms, a world of royal courts, political intrigue, prophecy, love, war, and impossible sacrifice. At its heart is a mother’s determination to protect her son, preserve her kingdom, and change the course of history forever.
Queen Idia’s iconic bronze mask is recognised around the world. 50 years ago, it became the symbol of FESTAC ’77 and today, it appears on every Nigerian passport, yet the original mask remains in the British Museum after being taken during the British invasion of Benin in 1897. While the bronze became world famous, the story of the remarkable woman behind it has rarely been given centre stage.
Until now.
Following acclaimed work-in-progress performances in Cambridge, Peterborough, and London in 2025, Queen Idia the Musical returns with an ambitious new phase of development. This year’s concert presentations will share newly developed music, scenes, and storytelling as the creative team continues shaping the production ahead of its full production in 2027.
Developed with funding from the Arts Council and with the support of University of Cambridge Public Engagement, the Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, the Centre of African Studies, the University of Cambridge Library, Landmark Theatres, Key Theatre Peterborough, the National Theatre of Nigeria, and a growing network of artistic partners, the musical is building towards becoming a landmark new work of British musical theatre with international ambitions.
More than a concert, this is an invitation to witness a major new musical in the making. Join us in September, for unforgettable evenings of music, poetry, history, and spectacle, and be part of Queen Idia’s journey from development to the world’s stages.
Facilities
- Disabled Accessibility
- mostly flat terrain
- wheelchair access
