Coming to England at Lighthouse Poole Preview

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WILL BE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THIS PREVIEW AND THE SUBSEQUENT REVIEW
Previewed by Maddie Reynolds
Floella Benjamin is bringing her book ‘Coming to England’ to life in a stage adaptation by David Wood. It is an inspirational story of determination, hope and triumph. The book was first published over 25 years ago. Coming to England tells the story of Floella’s journey to England as a child when she was 10 years old.
Leaving Trinidad behind she set sail with her siblings to join her parents, having been left in foster care until they were able to travel to join them. Her excitement for her new life in England was short lived and she was subjected to racism and intolerance during the 1960s in London.
The inspiration behind the story originally came to light when Floella’s children asked what life was like growing up as a child. There were no books which described her childhood living happily in Trinidad in one culture before her parents left her behind in foster care until she could re-join them and build a new life in England and be reunited as a family again. They faced many rejections and adversity along the way and were made to feel like they didn’t belong and had to learn to make the most of their new life in Britain.
The stage production brings her story alive through music which was a big part of her growing up as her dad was a musician. They were all encouraged to sing and play instruments. The songs in the show represent life in Trinidad and the atmosphere when they lived there. It goes on to show growing up in London and all the hardship that followed.
There are now more people than ever living in Britain with different cultures from all over the world. Many still facing adversity and rejections, living in hostile environments not having the sense of belonging.
The book is now in almost every school in the country and is making a real difference, showing people what those who are different are going through and opening their eyes to approach the subject in an all-embracing way.
The audience can expect to experience fun, excitement, emotions and exuberance with feelings of love and hope and most importantly the understanding of never giving up.
Lighthouse is in Kingsland Road in the centre of Poole, with plenty of parking in the carpark opposite, there is also a bus station opposite and it’s within walking distance of Poole train station.
Tickets prices start from £14.98 it runs at Poole Lighthouse from Thursday 13th February till Saturday 15th February with 3 evening shows starting at 19:00. One at 11:00 on Friday 14th February and one on Saturday at 14:00. Running time is 2 hours with an interval.
The show is recommended for the whole family with an age guidance ID
Tickets on sale now at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or phone 01202 280000.
Coming to England is touring the country and still has some dates for 2025