‘Of what use is a good man without ambition?’
Following on from the success of Death and The King’s Horseman (February 2025), Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres are delighted to announce the tour of their latest co-production, Crown of Blood, which premiered at the Crucible Theatre in February 2026. Kicking things off at the Belgrade, this show full of twists and turns is not one to be missed.
Crown of Blood is a powerful new Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth, following the story of General Aderemi. Following a battle victory, he is promoted to Field Marshall, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the oracle. When the oracle says that Aderemi will later become King, he and his wife Oyebisi embark on a bloody mission to ensure he sits on the throne.
Set within 19th-Century Yorubaland, this adaptation of the classic tale is adorned with cultural heritage and spirituality in its storytelling, music and movement, creating a compelling mix of dimensions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is the classic, well-loved story of revenge, ambition and deception with a twist.
This is Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before.
Written by: Oladipo Agboluaje.
Directed by: Mojisola Kareem
Crown of Blood was developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme.
Utopia Theatre is a National Portfolio Organisation, formed in 2012 to create exceptional world class African theatre with imaginative flair for the British and international stage. Utopia Theatre produces plays and re-imagine classics in a way that demonstrates their contemporary relevance and appeal to a new audience and regular theatregoers. Utopia Theatre is dedicated to demonstrating the rich cultural heritage of Africa’s theatre canon, and in so doing, dispel stereotypes and encourage authentic voices from the African Diaspora. Founded by CEO and Artistic Director Mojisola Kareem, the charitable organisation aims to empower and engage African communities, support emerging artists and inspire the next generation.
Post-Show Q&A, Fri 13 Feb
After Friday evening’s performance, there will be the exciting opportunity to engage with Crown of Blood’s cast in a post-show Q&A.
Education
Immerse yourself in the world of Crown of Blood: Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres’ powerful new Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth.
There will be the offer to engage in free dynamic, curriculum-linked workshops for schools and youth groups alongside Crown of Blood. Led by the play’s core creatives, these sessions provide direct access to professional artists and powerful tools for creative learning.
Download the attachment below to find out more.
BSL Interpretation
The matinee on Sat 14 Feb will be BSL interpreted by Irmina St Catherine.
Irmina St Catherine is an NRCPD-registered British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter based
in London. Her journey into BSL began at a young age, despite having no deaf family
members, and developed into a career focused on access within cultural and public spaces.
Irmina works across a range of sectors, with a particular focus on theatre and the performing
arts. Her work in live performance sits alongside creative teams and producers, supporting
access that aligns with the artistic intentions of each production.
Alongside her ongoing work in the arts, Irmina is delighted to be part of this innovative and
powerful retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
