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The Big Life

16 February – 30 March 2024
Stratford East

Book by Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson  
Lyrics by Paul Sirett  
Music by Paul Joseph  
Directed by Tinuke Craig 

It’s 1948 and on board the Windrush Empire, journeying over from the West Indies to England, Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis and Lennie are full of expectations and aspirations. 

Eager to make successes of themselves, they are optimistic about what the future holds, plus Dennis is certain that showing his brother’s posthumous medal from World War II will mean he is welcomed heartily. Building this new life will take focus and sacrifice, and the young men make the bold decision to forswear wine and women for three whole years and devote themselves to their future in London. 

Sybil, Mary, Zulieka and Kathy have other ideas. They know that man cannot live by bread alone! So each one’s resolve is put to the test as the reality of life in a less-than-welcoming England, not to mention the weather, makes forgoing the warmth of female company hard to resist. Will the men stick with their idea of The Big Life, or will Cupid have the final say? 

The Big Life is a joyful and uplifting musical where the story of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost meets that of the Windrush generation in a fun-packed Ska musical that’ll have you dancing in your seats. 

Age guidance: 10+