Pictures: Mark Senior

Coming to England

Lichfield Garrick

****

The stage version of Floella Benjamin’s autobiographical account of her journey from Trinidad to the Mother Country brought some welcome vibrancy and colour to a damp night in Staffordshire.

Adapted for the stage by leading Children’s writer, David Wood, this musical play combines the harsh realities of life in a new country (eight people in one room, racist slurs, denial of services) with a joyous accompaniment of song and dance. Scenes are brightly lit in strong, primary colours on a simple but effective set that gives prominence to the actors rather than over complicating the images. It’s a riot of colour and movement at times, made possible by the space allowed in the set design.

It’s a story most of us of a certain age are familiar with. Enticed by promises of work from the British Government, in the late 1950s, people left their Caribbean homelands to seek a new life in the UK. Floella was 10 when she made the journey in the early 1960s, joining her mother and father who had already left. A difficult, two-week journey to a strange land that was far from paved with gold. She overcame a lot, retaining a smile that we still connect with her and rising above the bouts of hatred with an attitude of ‘its their problem . . . not mine’

This is a tale of two halves. Act I covering family life in Trinidad prior to the journey. Act II, the challenges and ultimate achievements of their lives in Britain. Wood’s writing balances the sometimes distressing narrative with some punchy, jubilant songs that put smiles back on faces. Whilst the social injustice is importantly touched on, the overall picture is one of hope and the overcoming of adversity

Unsurprisingly, given it’s written by David Wood, there is a simplicity to the piece that makes it accessible to all ages. It’s not a children’s show, but children will connect to it. A row of four young girls in front of me not only danced in their seats to the carnival numbers but clearly engaged with the storyline. Job done, there!

As Floella, Julene Robinson bears a striking physical resemblance and captures her vivacity and determination throughout.

Maryla Abraham is strong and centred as Marmie, using her gospel voice to perfection.

A strong ensemble cast play a variety of roles and keep the story moving and alive

This is a piece of theatre that deserves an audience. No doubt it will do well in the big, more diverse city venues but leafy enclaves like Lichfield seem more of a challenge. Those that came clearly loved what they saw. Let’s hope they tell their friends.

Running in the main house until Saturday, 5 October, there is still time to grab a ticket. It’s vibrant, proud and bursting at the seams with love.

Tom Roberts

02-10-24 

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