First-Look Images Released for Girls at the Young Vic
A Waterloo Stage Worth Knowing
If you live in south London, you already know the Young Vic. Tucked along The Cut, a short walk from Waterloo station, it has spent decades as one of the most adventurous theatres in the capital. Its smaller spaces feel intimate, and the staff know many of the regulars by name. Right now, the building is hosting Girls in the Maria, the studio theatre that makes audiences feel close enough to hear every breath on stage.
For residents, the Young Vic matters because it brings serious new writing to our doorstep without the expense or travel of the West End. You can catch a play after work, grab a bite on the Waterloo Road side, and be home before the last trains thin out. That convenience is part of why local audiences keep coming back.
The production itself is worth a look. Newly released photos show a bare, striking set, with red sand evoking a distant landscape, a wall of television screens hinting at the world beyond, and dried hibiscus flowers hanging above the performers. It is the kind of design that rewards seeing it in person rather than on a phone screen, and the Maria’s close seating means nothing is far away.
The People Behind the Production
Girls is directed by Ewa Dina, winner of the 2026 JMK Award, who makes her Young Vic debut with this production. Her appointment is a notable moment for emerging directors, and it shows the theatre continuing to back fresh voices. The play itself is by Theresa Ikoko, whose earlier work has been widely honoured. Girls won the Alfred Fagon Award in 2015 and the George Devine Award the following year, and it was a finalist for the Verity Bargate Award, a track record that signals how strongly the industry has responded to the writing.
On stage, Hannah Akhalu plays Tisana, Tara Tijani plays Haleema, and Sewa Zamba plays Ruhab. All three have built substantial careers across London’s major stages, from the Rose Theatre and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre to Shakespeare’s Globe and the Lyric Hammersmith. Their work is central to the show’s emotional weight, and the newly released images focus on them.
Behind the scenes, set designer Raphae Memon has created the visual language that defines the evening. For the local creative community, productions like this also create work for lighting technicians, costume makers, front-of-house teams and the independent cafes and bars that serve pre-show crowds. When a show sells well, the impact ripples out across the neighbourhood.
What to Know Before You Book
Girls runs at the Young Vic until 21 November, so there is time to plan, but the Maria is a small room and seats can go quickly, especially on weekends. If you are interested, booking early is the simplest move. Press night is tonight, 27 October, which means reviews and word of mouth will start to shape demand over the following weeks. If you are reading this before the show opens to general audiences, consider going in the middle of the run, when the buzz has settled and tickets are often easier to find.
The production deals with a serious subject drawn from real events. It is a drama about friendship, loyalty and survival, and it is performed with care. Going with a friend, or planning a conversation afterwards, can make the evening more rewarding.
For a full night out, plan a walk after the show. From the Young Vic, you can stroll towards the river and cross into Westminster, where Whitehall and London Big Ben make a memorable finish to an evening in the city. It is also a good excuse to explore the wider West End or visit a London museum or exhibition before heading home. Keep an eye on the Young Vic’s website and social channels for post-show talks and any extra performances added during the run.
Source: Production images released for GIRLS at the Young Vic
