The Theatre Royal Stratford East will revive its hit Windrush-inspired ska musical The Big Life in early 2024 – 20 years after it premiered at the East London venue before transferring to the West End.
Described as a ‘joyful and uplifting musical’, The Big Life features a book by multi-award-winning, playwright and musician Paul Sirett and EastEnders star Tameka Empson, with lyrics by Sirett and music by Paul Joseph. The new production which will be directed by Tinuke Craig will run from 16 February until 30 March 2024.
The revival was announced as part of a 2023/2024 season that will include celebrations of the popular venue’s 140th birthday next year, a new production of Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing marking the acclaimed play’s 30th anniversary, and the venue’s Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. Directed by Denzel Westley-Sanderson the festive show will feature book and lyrics by Anna Jordan and music and lyrics by Robert Hyman.
Unveiling details of the season which also includes a series of one-night only comedy and musical events, artistic director, Nadia Fall said: “Nostalgia, love and feel-good theatre. Our new season is a warm bath of nostalgia, love and laughter, kicking off with the 30th anniversary revival of Jonathan Harvey’s modern classic Beautiful Thing, which tenderly explores first love on a South London Estate in the 90s.
“This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush, so we’re incredibly excited to announce the return of our celebrated ska musical The Big Life, which takes a playful look at romance and the relationships of the young people who arrived from the Caribbean to forge new lives in the UK.
“Our panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, promises an exciting collaboration between our Sky Arts associate artist Denzel Westley-Sanderson and prolific writer Anna Jordan, with composer Robert Hyman who will be celebrating his 25th year writing those fantastic Christmas earworms!
“We’re also delighted to be continuing our series of one-night events with the return of comedy night Live at Stratford East and Don’t Stop The Beat Productions with An Evening of Soca Carnival – Live!, and to be welcoming our 2023/24 Young Company to our stage with their new production, here, here, here.”
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.