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BrumHour saw Coming to England at the invite of Birmingham Rep.
By Dave Massey x.com/BrumHour
Coming to England at Birmingham Rep: Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐”A charming tale of an iconic children’s presenter”
Directed by Denzel Westley Sanderson, Adapted by David Wood, based on the book by Floella Benjamin
Leaving what appeared to be a dreamy life behind in Trinidad, Floella Benjamin’s family came to England in a few in stages over a couple of years and this is that story. Told mostly via first-person narration, like a live autobiography. We are treated to memories, stories and music from Floella’s early life up to her twenties.
The set is a large television screen showing that Floella’s television career as a children’s presenter and advocate of inclusion is never far from her mind. The set is bright, exciting and childlike with large flowers and bold costumes to match.
There is a huge sense of nostalgia through the songs we hear and the calypso style of the music, but this production avoids rose-tinted glasses of social media.
Julene Robinson is excellent as Floella, child-like and friendly then grown up and serious, playing Floella at lots of ages. I could really hear her channelling Floella’s tone and personality in her words. Shaquille Jack is lots of fun as sibling Ellington, vulnerable and easily influenced in his youth. This is really an ensemble show with Julene taking the lead and the family Benjamin really shows how they’ve gelled on stage as a cast.
Frustratingly, the story is at its most interesting when we explore the challenges Floella faced in London, particularly on their move to a middle-class area. The first half might be too gentle for some audiences. But I enjoyed a lot about this production from the story to the music and the storytelling style itself.
A charming tale of an iconic children’s presenter, Coming to England is at Birmingham Rep until 22nd February 2025. Book tickets here: birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/coming-to-england-2.
