Guest Post: Africa Arts Network’s ‘Honeymoon Hotel’ Delivers a Bold, Brilliant, Powerful Shift for Ghana’s Theatre Industry

Last weekend at the National Theatre, Accra, the curtains rose on one of the most highly anticipated productions in Ghana’s recent theatre history — Honeymoon Hotel. Produced by Africa Arts Network and directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso, the play delivered a confident, stylish, and comically rich experience that signalled a thrilling new chapter in Ghanaian stagecraft.

The production marked Shirley’s debut as a theatre director, and if Honeymoon Hotel is anything to go by, her transition from screen to stage is not only seamless but transformative. Adapted from the original script by playwright Stephen Yaw Oppong, the play unfolded as a layered romantic dramedy set in a luxurious hotel “where love lasts” — or at least pretends to.

A Story of Love, Loss, and Life’s Ironies

At the heart of the play is Konka Adusei, the hotel manager on the eve of his retirement and final divorce. His emotional disconnection contrasts sharply with the hotel’s raison d’être: a sanctuary for lovers, honeymooners, and hopeful romantics. From this ironic premise, the play builds a web of intersecting narratives involving staff, guests, exes, and unexpected secrets.

The story is cleverly and beautifully adapted, balancing humour with heartbreak, satire with sincerity. It never leans too heavily into melodrama, yet every scene is weighted with emotional stakes. Whether it’s the cynical bellboy who’s seen it all, the clueless groom hiding more than cold feet, or the long-suffering receptionist entangled in office romance, each character feels lived-in and essential.

A Star-Studded Cast That Shines

The play features an ensemble of some of Ghana’s most admired actors. Joselyn Dumas was luminous, blending vulnerability and power in her portrayal of a woman confronting emotional truth. James Gardiner and Godwin Namboh offered comedic rhythm and tension, while Ama K. Abebrese delivered a measured and magnetic performance that drew spontaneous applause more than once.

The legendary David Dontoh brought gravitas and emotional depth, while Andrew Tandoh-Adote, Jasmine Baroudi, Amanda Jissih, and rising star Gadede Segbefia held their own, turning supporting roles into standout moments. The chemistry across the cast was palpable — a testament to not only the talent involved but to Shirley’s strength in directing actors with emotional intelligence and precision.

Direction, Design, and Detail

Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s direction was controlled yet playful, allowing moments of improvisation and silence to breathe. Known for her cinematic storytelling, she brought an editorial eye to the pacing of scenes — every entrance felt intentional, every exit earned. There were echoes of her film background in the visual rhythm of the play, but it was clearly staged with theatre’s immediacy in mind.

The set design transformed the stage into a believable boutique hotel lobby — elegant, minimal, and functional. Costume choices reflected class distinctions and mood subtly, while lighting and sound punctuated the performance without overpowering it.

A Statement for the Industry by Africa Arts Network

More than just a production, Honeymoon Hotel felt like a statement piece — about what is possible when Ghanaian theatre dares to match ambition with execution. The play attracted over 9,000 patrons across its three-day run, drawing audiences from theatre lovers to film fans and an online audience streaming live on AECINEMAX mobile app curious to see Shirley’s first theatre play.

Africa Arts Network must be commended not just for the scale and polish of the event, but for its ability to attract new audiences to theatre by bridging cinema, stage, and celebrity in a way that still honoured the fundamentals of live performance. It’s this kind of programming that can shift the narrative around the commercial and artistic viability of the stage in Ghana.

Final Verdict: A Five-Star Check-In

Honeymoon Hotel is a landmark production — not because it is perfect, but because it is purposeful. It dares to be bold, funny, stylish, and heartbreaking all at once. It introduces a fresh directorial voice to theatre in Shirley Frimpong-Manso and proves that Ghanaian audiences are more than ready for nuanced, high-quality, original theatre.

If this production signals the direction of where Ghanaian theatre is headed, then audiences and investors alike should take note: the curtain has only just risen.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Reviewed at: National Theatre, Accra

Dates: June 20–22, 2025

Presented by: Africa Arts Network

Written by: Stephen Yaw Oppong

Adapted & Directed by: Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Review by Mustapha Yahaya