Photos credit. Mark Senior.
Coming To England tells the extraordinary true story of the childhood experiences of Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham – better known to all of her Playschool Babies (a sweet term that she still uses to speak of those of us who watched her on the series, even though we’re all considerably grown up these days!) as Floella Benjamin. At the tender age of ten, she and her siblings left their home in Trinidad to sail for a new life in England – her parents had travelled ahead and were already working hard to create a new life for their children. In her book, which I’d highly recommend reading, Benjamin describes the excitement of this adventure, so full of hope and promise. Upon arrival in England however, the children are underwhelmed by what they see, for they are greeted not only by the filth and grime of 1960’s London but also by widespread racism and intolerance. This play, based upon Benjamin’s memoir published in 1997, adapted for the stage by David Wood, tells the story of her remarkable journey from that harrowing moment of arrival, to achieving success as an actor, presenter, author and politician.
The production opens with a scene which introduces us to the adult Benjamin played with conviction and charm by Julene Robinson. She is presenting an episode of Playschool and we immediately feel at home and in the company of friends. This clever opener reminds us of the genius of Benjamin and the presenting qualities that she possesses that meant she captured the hearts of legions of children presenting that show between 1976 and 1988. Robinson gives the scene the same energy as Benjamin and the set design and costuming are supremely evocative, especially for those of us who were so besotted with her as kids. I’m transported back in time to my childhood living room, circa 1987. Bliss! After meeting the adult Benjamin, time shifts and we are introduced to her family members, and so the story of how she came to England begins.
The Benjamin’s are a strong-willed and determined bunch – we meet Marmie (Maryla Abraham) who exudes warmth and love and is an incredible role model, and Dardie (Charles Angiama) who is headstrong and yet whimsical but full of love for his children. Both performers do an excellent job of portraying parents who want the best for their kids in mightily tricky circumstances. The children in this opening night audience are beaming in their presence. The action is interspersed with music and singing (it is billed as a musical after all!) and the cast segue between word and familiar song with ease. A highlight for me is the scene at the carnival which is performed with such ebullient joy – the harmonisation from the siblings Ellington (Shaquille Jack), Lester (Solomon Gordon), Sandra (Simone Robinson), Roy (Alexander Bellinfantie), and Cynthia (Kamarane Grant) is brilliant and the dancing so much fun. There is a particularly well observed scene set in church too. The staging and direction by Denzel Westley Sanderson is superbly vibrant and energetic, with colour and costume cleverly used to suggest mood and emotion.
Don’t be fooled though – this is not a schmaltzy tale of whimsy just for the kids. There are some really hard hitting moments of messaging that carry real clout. The racism that is experienced by the family is laid bare on stage for all to see. The performers who have to hurl these slurs do so with a vitriolic energy that is really difficult to watch. Even so, it is necessary that we experience it with them and the darkness enables the light of the piece to shine all the brighter. Told to ‘go back home’, refused service in shops, and treated appallingly by a teacher because of her accent, Benjamin begins to lose heart. However, aided by the good advice and support of her mother, she fights back – with a smile. If you want to know more about the experiences of the Windrush generation, and you want your children to understand the power of good role models and how to tackle bullies, then this is the show to take them to see. Fear not – the negatives do not dominate for long. Good overcomes evil.
This is a piece which the writers of Playschool would be proud of. It entertains AND educates. It is faithful to the memoir and thus to the experiences of Floella Benjamin and presents the facts in such a way as to really touch the heart. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or experienced bullying, this show will speak to you. This show deserves to be seen. It’s a celebration of diversity and of hope overcoming despair that is fit for all the family. A tonic for our troubled times.
Coming to England plays at Theatre Royal Nottingham until Saturday 1st February 2025.
