The Big Life London Reviews and Tickets

96%

(126 Ratings)

Positive

98%

Mixed

1%

Negative

1%

Members say

Delightful, Entertaining, Clever, Absorbing, Great singing

About the Show

The Olivier-nominated ska musical combining 'Love's Labours Lost' with the stories of Windrush immigrants.

Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis, and Lennie are on board the HMT Empire Windrush, travelling from the West Indies for a new life in England. Knowing that building a new life for themselves will take sacrifice, the young men make a pact to forgo wine and women for three years in order to devote their time to building their futures in London.

Sybil, Mary, Zulieka, and Kathy have other ideas. They are 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?

Paul Sirett's ska musical returns to London after 20 years, where it initially received an Olivier Award nomination for Best New Musical.

This production is directed by Tinuke Craig (Baylis Director at the Old Vic), and is recommended for ages 10+.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (19)

100

Must see, Hilarious, Great acting, Great singing, Absorbing

See it if You like musicals with a strong story and great music

Don't see it if No reason not to see it

100

Outstanding cast!, Endearing characters, Catchy songs, Love & romance, Vibrant music & dance

See it if you want to celebrate SKA music. Funny, infectious, amazing dance & swag, a reimagined Love’s Labour’s Lost honouring Jamaican Windrush.

Don't see it if There is no reason not to see it.

84

Great writing, Great staging, Great singing, Great acting, Entertaining

See it if Great vibes musical with comedy and heart

Don't see it if you don't like ska music

100

Great singing, Great acting, Great writing, Funny, Enchanting

See it if This show should transfer to the west end, it has everything!!!

Don't see it if It's a must see Read more

100

Entertaining, Enchanting, Delightful, Clever, Absorbing

See it if If you get a chance to see this show, do yourself a favour and go. It is most enjoyable.

Don't see it if I can't think of anything negative to say about it. Read more

100

Amazing, Clever, Absorbing, Delightful, Entertaining

See it if You like a history lesson set to music, fantastic & fun, absolutely brilliant!

Don't see it if You feel uncomfortable about being reminded of racist behaviour & the Windrush Scandal!

90

Clever, Absorbing, Entertaining, Ambitious, Delightful

See it if You have an understanding of the windrush generation, you like reggae or ska music

Don't see it if Hate all of the above or are narrow minded

100

Must see, Hilarious, Great singing, Exquisite, Enchanting

See it if As we say in the carribbrean "long time since me laugh so harty" I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end could not stop laughing

Don't see it if If your not prepared to laugh

Critic Reviews (9)

"...a fun-packed Ska musical that’ll have you dancing in your seats."
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"it's not subtle, but it's damn good fun"
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"...it is baggy, yet it’s hard to resent its big-hearted excesses."
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"...it deserves the heartiest embrace just as it stands."
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" 'The Big Life' is mainly a great big party of a show."
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"May be in need of some judicious editing, but it’s still a rollicking crowd pleaser."
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"big-hearted musical brings the joy and honours the past"
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" ‘The Big Life’ remains an uplifting vision of hope."
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Trailer

Creative team

Theatre Royal Stratford East

Bookwriter / Lyricist