The Big Life

Synopsis

On the Windrush over from the Caribbean to England, a pact is made by a group of men not to get involved with women for three years whilst they 'institute a regime of work and betterment'. Each man's resolve is tested as one by one they fall prey to Cupid's arrow.

Our Review:

24 May 2005

First seen at Stratford East’s Theatre Royal last April and now making history as the first-ever indigenously created musical about black British life to open in the West End, The Big Life also joyously embraces a slice of social history that’s as full of heart as it is also passionately full of art.

This is history literally in the making, on both sides of the footlights. While the show follows the arrival of a group of Caribbean immigrants to 1950s London, it spins something universal out of this particular story of immigration and assimilation. In the process, it addresses a (hopefully) multi-cultural audience with a story that speaks to us all.

But best of all, this is a new musical that is original on every score, not least its score: neither the story nor the music is recycled from a hit film or the pop past, but instead it vibrantly brings to fully inhabited (and completely uninhibited) life something fresh, unique and remarkable.

...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

86.130.7.128) - 2 December 2005:

Seen in Stratford and West End - thought it was brilliant - I liked the fact that all ages could enjoy it. ...

Read more and add your own review

Related Whatsonstage.com Articles

WOS Radio: Clint Dyer’s Life & Avenue Q Preview Radio: Listen to New Whatsonstage.com Podcast 20 Questions With...Clint Dyer More»