The Big Life – The Ska Musical is coming to Theatre Royal Stratford East in 2024.
Tinuke Craig (Trouble in Butetown) directs this 20th anniversary revival of the acclaimed Stratford East and West End musical.
A joyful and uplifting production, where the story of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost meets that of the Windrush generation, this fun-packed Ska musical will have you dancing in your seats.
The show boasts a book by Paul Sirett and EastEnders star Tameka Empson, with lyrics by Siren and music by Paul Joseph.
The Bg Life is playing at the Theatre Royal Stratford East from 16 February to 30 March 2024.
What's the story of The Big Life?
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?
Who are the creative team of The Big Life?
Music by Paul Joseph, lyrics by Siren, a book by Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson
Directed by Tinuke Craig
Further creatives to be announced
Show Information
Matinees: Thursday, Saturday
Performance information is for guidance only. Check booking calendar for details.
Important Notes
Age guidance:
10+ (contains one use of a strong racial slur)
Access Performances:
BSL interpreted: Thu 14 March, 7.30pm
Captioned: Fri 15 Mar, 7.30pm
Audio Described: Sat 16 Mar, 2.30pm
Relaxed Environment (what’s this?): Sat 09 Mar, 2.30pm
Ticket Information
Official Theatre tickets for The Big Life
Book tickets to The Big Life with WestendTheatre.com. You will be purchasing official London theatre tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">
">