Stage Review Crown of Blood
- debra Hall
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
Crown of Blood
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Written by Oladipo Agboluaje
Directed by Mojisola Kareem
A perfectly structured, pulsating, production
From humble beginnings, General Aderemi proves to be a worthy leader and so is promoted to Field Marshall after being paramount in saving the kingdom against attack.
Urged on by his wife, Oyebisi, who, come hell or high water, is determined to see her man on the throne, bribes the Oracle to predict this to be a true reality for Aderemi. The play charts: the pair's ambition for power; the concocting of a devious plot and the bloody mission fulfilled. Afterwhich we see the once loyal, brave, Aderemi gradually descend into tyranny.
In a sense Crown of Blood is not a oblique version of Macbeth. Its story thread conforms to the Shakespearian tragedy more than enough to recognise it as being the source. Utopia Theatre's production however, is retold in modern English and is immersed in Yoruba style methods of storytelling. The songs are African call-and-response in style and the singing is often accompanied by the percussion beats of a handheld African drum. There is a playfulness and energy of movement to the performances.The play's theme has been developed around the physical and vocal techniques of African performing theatre; the kind of which this company is highly noted.
A cast of talented performers bring much light and colour to a dark tale. The fight scenes and the murderous acts are cleverly devised.
Deyemi Okanlawon is Aderemi and Oyebisi is played by Kehinde Bankole - two actors with many attributes and whom each possess a richness and control in their speech. Okanlawon portrays a tense, power-crazed man incredibly well, and, once his character has descended into madness is the most convincing Macbeth that the reviewer has seen on stage to date.
Ensemble player Morolahun Adeniyi Olusola's musicality leads the rhythmic pulse and is very expressive, as is Kayefi Osha as ‘Moremi’ / ‘Woman’ who delights with her soulful chanting and movement.
At The Belgrade Theatre until Sat 14 Febuary.
Stage Review Crown of Blood by Theatre Critic, Debra Hall who attended The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry on Wednesday 11 February at 7.30pm
REFERENCES
Pollard, M. Press release - Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres’ world premiere production of Crown of Blood comes to Belgrade Theatre, Coventry as part of its UK tour ANRPR 14 Jan 2026
Pollard, M. Crown of Blood - Production Images (C.Robling Photography) ANRPR 12 Feb 2026
The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
Utopia Theatre, Sheffield https://www.utopiatheatre.co.uk/
Utopia Theatre https://www.facebook.com/utopiatheatrelimited/
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