The titular boxes of Shona Bukola Babayemi’s one-woman play chart the character’s life from child to adult, the boxes holding Christmas presents and keepsakes, reminders of a life past and present. Referenced only as “biological guardians”, her parents may have initially tried to provide a secure, if poor, family setting but this all disintegrates as she moves from the UK to the US and back to the East End of London. Relationships and friendships come and go; she finds herself homeless and sofa surfing and ends up living in a basic hostel and working a nightshift in a soul-less warehouse. Throughout her difficult life, she somehow stays positive, never giving up and occasionally finding fleeting friendship and help from strangers who show her kindness. All the while, the bits and pieces that she pulls from her boxes mark her journey. But maybe at the end of the day, she no longer needs the contents of the boxes that she’s been clinging to.
Babayemi is a charismatic performer with a mesmerising stage presence. She effortlessly portrays various characters, including the Nigerian “auntie”, her friend and the friend’s father. Babayemi opens the show by stating that this is not a “true” story, but it is “real”. She undoubtedly makes this performance feel very real and credible and reflective of the complicated lives that many people experience.
There’s no set other than the boxes and their contents. Lighting and sound provide texture, though the sound volume occasionally makes Babayemi difficult to hear and a sudden burst of strobe lighting could be problematic for anyone with epilepsy or other photosensitivity issues.
Part of the Soho Rising Festival 2026, showcasing the rising stars of theatre, comedy, cabaret and drag. Babayemi is clearly one of these rising stars and is definitely one to watch.
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 3rd February 2026
North West End UK Rating: