The Big Life Tickets

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 is in the cast of The Big Life?

Tameka Empson (EastEnders), reprising her role as Mrs Aphrodite from the original production, plus Juliet Agnes (The Tempest, Wonder Boy) as Kathy, Danny Bailey (A Strange Loop, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Admiral/Eros, Gabrielle Brooks (Milma’s Tale, Once On This Island, Get Up, Stand Up!) as Sybil, Nathanael Campbell (Flowers For Mrs Harris, Come From Away) as Bernie, Khalid Daley (Choir Boy, Hamilton) as Dennis, Beth Elliott (Black Love) as Jacqueline/Secretary, Leanne Henlon (Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner) as Mary, Rachel John (The Secret Life of Bees, The Bodyguard) as Zulieka, Karl Queensborough (Hamilton, Sylvia) as Lennie, and Ashley Samuels (Oklahoma!, Hairspray) as Ferdy.

Musicians to be announced.

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

Jasmine Swan (Set and Costume Designer), Elliot Griggs (Lighting Designer), Emma Laxton (Sound Designer), Ian Oakley (Musical Director), Ingrid Mackinnon (Choreographer), Jacob Sparrow (Casting Director), Becky Livermore (Costume Supervisor), John Boqwana-Page (Production Manager), Vanessa Sutherland (Company Stage Manager), Emma Currie (Deputy Stage Manager), and Tayla Hunter & Dynzell Muguti (Assistant Stage Manager).