THE BIG LIFE
Image credit — Mark Senior
The Big Life by Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson
Twenty years after its debut at Stratford East and subsequent west end transfer, The Big Life returns to its original home.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s Love Labour’s Lost, The Big Life follows Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis and Lennie (Ashely Samuels, Nathanael Campbell, Khalid Daley, Karl Queensborough) as they board the Windrush and journey from the West Indies, to embark on a new life in England. Clad in three-piece suits and fuelled by boundless hope, anticipation fills the stage — from dreams of becoming mechanics to academics, the quartet has no shortage of fantasies of what England may offer.
Upon arrival, the men, led by Ferdy (Ashely Samuels) decide that their dreams, as big as they are, require sacrifice to achieve. They make a pact to forego sleep, alcohol, and the most difficult sacrifice of all, women. However, the foundations of the pact are quickly threatened, as the men end up sharing a boarding house run by Zulieka and home to Kathy, Sybil, and Mary.
As the men try to resist, the women try to tempt, and a scene is set for a series of playful and light hearted rivalries, expressed through infectiously upbeat ska tunes, to more sultry exchanges, lined with glorious harmonies — particularly seen in Sybil (Gabrielle Brooks) and Bernie (Nathanael Campbell) who take centre stage in a pitch perfect duet.
We watch as the group attempt to settle into their new home, all of this hilariously narrated by the brilliantly vivacious Tameka Epsom, also known as Ms. Aphrodite (in both the 2004 production, and present day). Her narration (some improvised) draws the audience into the play, inviting a spontaneous and a wonderfully authentic engagement.
Littered throughout her commentary on love, Caribbean culture, and contemporary references, is a more sombre commentary on the treatment of Caribbean immigrants. The acclimatisation is not as easy as originally thought, the sun is cold, the trees don’t grow, and despite being invited by the British Government, hostility is high and jobs are scarce. The show does not lament on these difficulties - they are acknowledged, as they should be, but the cast quickly throws the audience back into a world full of life, hilarity and fun.
There are times when the fun and enthusiasm border on being farcical, with some overstated exchanges. However, there is no shortage of talent within the company of The Big Life. Khalid Daley leads many of the comedic moments, evenly supported by the slightly scatterbrained duo that’s Mary (Leanne Henlon) and Lennie (Karl Queensborough). Our resident academic Ferdy (Ashely Samuels) appears to be the wisest of the group, we become well acquainted with self proclaimed love guru, Eros (Danny Bailey) and Zulieka (Rachel John) adopts a more matriarchal role, leading the women and showcasing her gloriously smooth vocals in the process.
Any mention of the company must also include high praise to Jasmine Swan, who kits the cast out in suave, monotone vibrant fits and of course to Ian Oakely, and the on-stage band, who provide lively, and soulful accompaniments to Hyman’s tracks.
There is a certainly a bittersweetness to The Big life. On stage we see hope built on the promise of something new and exciting, however in reality, we know that the efforts of the windrush generation were undermined, and discarded with thousands displaced by the British Government. However, for the 150 minutes of The Big Life, we recognise the work of the company in an exuberant and joy filled revival.
It’s fun, dazzling, and slightly outrageous, and reminds us to loosen our shoulders, and enjoy the music.
By Shore Delano.
★★★★☆
The Big Life is showing at Stratford East until 30 March.