It was my first visit to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre and I watched Coming To England which turned Floella Benjamin’s book into a stage adaptation The opening scene put me off, I know it was meant to resonate with Playschool audiences but it led me looking towards an exit as it felt too cringey for me. After the opening scene, it actually got much better. I settled into the storyline and got acquainted with the characters. There were powerful voices within the cast and great acting. Julene’s Robinsons acting of Floella was superb and the energy she gave her character was immense. I had been slightly worried before the production, it would be catered too much towards children but it was not and it meant the production can be watched by all.
Floella Benjamin’s award-winning and iconic book Coming to England comes to life in this joyful stage adaptation with music, storytelling and song. Much loved by children and families, Coming to England tells Floella’s own story of moving to England as a child. Aged just 10, she and her siblings left Trinidad and sailed alone to join their parents.
But Floella’s excitement for her new life in England is short-lived, with her family subjected to racism and intolerance in 1960s’ London. Guided by her mother, and working twice as hard as her classmates, Coming to England tells the story of how a young Floella overcame adversity and grew to become Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham. Adapted for the stage by David Wood (“the national children’s dramatist” – The Times). The show was vibrant and energetic and is good entertainment for the whole family. The production and captures the essence of Floella’s journey with warmth and humour. The staging was bright and colourful, reflecting the vibrancy of her Trinidadian heritage, while also contrasting with the more muted tones representing her experiences in London.
The ensemble cast worked seamlessly together, creating a sense of community that mirrored Floella’s own family struggles. The incorporation of music added an extra layer to the performance; catchy tunes kept both children and adults engaged throughout. I found myself reflecting on my own encounters with culture shock and acceptance.
This was a production which had good production values, whilst the set was minimal, it allowed more focus on the story and performers in it. There were no dull moments and the story flowed seamlessly from one scene to the next.
Coming to England is not just a story for children; it speaks to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or faced challenges due to their identity. Overall, this production is more than just entertainment; it’s an important narrative that encourages dialogue around race, belonging, and perseverance. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a touching yet uplifting theatre experience that celebrates diversity and resilience through art.
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