Queen Idia musical reaches Cambridge on 9 September
Afrobeats, spoken word poetry and choral music will bring the story of a 16th-century Benin warrior queen to Cambridge this September. Queen Idia the Musical — The Concert Sharing takes place at the C3 Centre, 2 Brooks Road, Cambridge, on Wednesday 9 September 2026, from 6pm to 9pm.
The evening presents a developing Nigerian-British musical before its planned full production in 2027. For audiences interested in musical theatre, African history and performances combining different musical forms, it offers an early look at new material while the work is still being shaped.
The Visit Cambridge Events listing does not state a ticket price or explain the booking and entry arrangements. It also provides no transport guidance.
A royal court shaped by prophecy and conflict
The musical draws on the story of Queen Idia, described by the production as a warrior queen, strategist, diplomat and mother within the Benin Kingdom in present-day Nigeria. Its setting encompasses royal courts, political intrigue, prophecy, love, war and sacrifice, with the central story following a mother’s efforts to protect her son and preserve her kingdom.
Queen Idia is also associated with a widely recognised bronze mask. According to the event description, the mask became the symbol of FESTAC ’77, appears on Nigerian passports and remains in the British Museum after being taken during the British invasion of Benin in 1897. The production places the woman behind that image at the centre of the narrative.
Cambridge audiences will see newly developed scenes
The September concert is a work-in-progress presentation rather than the completed stage production. It will share newly developed music, scenes and storytelling as the creative team continues preparing the musical for its next phase.
The project previously held work-in-progress performances in Cambridge, Peterborough and London during 2025. Its development has received Arts Council funding and support from organisations including University of Cambridge Public Engagement, the Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, the Centre of African Studies, Cambridge University Library, Landmark Theatres, Key Theatre Peterborough and the National Theatre of Nigeria.
Access details at the C3 Centre
The venue listing identifies disabled accessibility, wheelchair access and mostly flat terrain at the C3 Centre. No further access arrangements are specified, so anyone requiring detailed assistance information will need to check the event listing before attending.
The confirmed programme runs from 6pm until 9pm on 9 September, with the concert sharing serving as a public stage in the musical’s development ahead of the planned 2027 production.
Source: Visit Cambridge Events
Context & actions About this article
Source check How this preview was checked
The date, time, venue, programme description and accessibility information were taken from the Visit Cambridge Events listing.
- Confirmed the event date as 9 September 2026.
- Confirmed the scheduled time as 6pm to 9pm.
- Confirmed the venue as the C3 Centre at 2 Brooks Road, Cambridge.
- Noted that the source does not specify ticket prices, booking arrangements or transport gu...
- Source
- Visit Cambridge Events
- Scope
- Cambridge
- Updated
- 2026-09-09 13:02
Source check
Report a trust issue
Send a clear signal to community moderation if the source, facts or context need review.
Comments