"Coming To England" by Floella Benjamin, adapted by David Wood OBE.

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

Many people will know the name Floella Benjamin from their childhood days and "Play School" and "Play Away". Floella has had an amazing career on TV, film and stage. She has acted in many West End Musicals like "Hair" and "Jesus Christ Superstar", presented TV shows and appeared in the 1970's film "Black Joy" as well as a 1970's horror film called "I Don't Want To Be Born". 

She was CEO of her own production company. She has written many books, which this is just one of them. Floella received an OBE in 2001 for services to broadcasting, has been chairperson of BAFTA and in 2010 she was made a Baroness. In 2020 she received the DBE (Dame Commander of the order of the British Empire) for her charity work and very recently was chosen to carry the Sceptre with Dove at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

In short Floella Benjamin is a real National treasure, and this stage play tells of her beginnings as well as referencing just a few of the above achievements.

"Coming To England" tells Floella’s own story of moving to England as a child. This stage production, adapted by David Wood is from Floella'a best selling children's book.

When her parents leave Trinidad for England her young life is turned upside down and she's placed with a cruel foster 'auntie'. At 10 years old, she and her siblings left Trinidad and sailed alone to join their parents and other siblings in Beckenham in Kent. Her father had left to follow his passion for music as he played saxophone and played in a jazz band.

But Floella’s excitement for her new life in England is short-lived, with her family subjected to racism and intolerance in 1960s’ London. Guided by her mother, and working twice as hard as her classmates, it tells the story of how a young Floella overcame adversity and grew to become Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham.

The cast are full of energy and all work as an ensemble team. Maryla Abraham (Marmie), Charles Angiama (Dardie), Floella's siblings are played by Alexander Bellinfantie (Roy), Solomon Gordon (Lester), Shaquille Jack (Ellington), Simone Robinson (Sandra) and for tonight's performance Kamarane Grant (Cynthia). 

Julene Robinson plays Floella brilliantly showing the highs and lows of her childhood. From the lows of having to stay with Auntie (also played by Kamarane) who had Floella and her elder sister working all hours around the house, as well as going to school, and her equally cruel Uncle (played by Alexander Bellinfantie), who had the two elder brothers literally fighting to eat the scraps enough for one. Through to the racism the family endured wherever they went, even at church and at school from the pupils as well as the teachers, these were the parts that were difficult to watch.

From these lows to the wonderful highs of carnival time, the love of her family, and the recognition of Floella's intelligence and the barriers that she broke through in her career.

Jordan Stamatiadis, Joe Pieri and Christian James played several roles, including the roles that inject the more poisonous side of this play with music, and it's a good job that Jordan, Joe and Christian are such good actors because these parts must not have been easy to portray. You feel unease watching how they treat Floella and her family and spit out their racist comments. Unfortunately the world has not moved on that much from the days and attitudes depicted in this play. But we're getting there!

Directed by Denzel Westley Sanderson. This production has built in sunshine, and I was half expecting it to be the same when I came out of the theatre, it instils so much warmth into you, sitting and watching this story. Paced perfectly and the negative messages in the story are outweighed by the positivity.

Set design is so vibrant, bringing all the colours of Trinidad to the stage in one big, bright and colourful party. Jasmine Swan is the Designer for this show. The costumes are as vibrant as the set.

Hair and make up have been well observed and reflect the styles of the 1960's onward.

Musical Director and Arranger is Abdul Shyllon. You are just in awe of the glorious sound that is produced, especially in the scenes that involve church and gospel singing. The Caribbean feel just seeps into your very being with original songs, arranged by Peter Pontzen, as well as some that you will know like "Jump In Line", "Brown Girl In The Ring" and "Smile" among them.

Choreography is by Kloe Dean. The carnival scenes are as vibrant as the colourful sets and bring the whole energetic feel of Caribbean party time to life. The fun this cast have during these scenes is completely infectious.

Lighting designers are Rachel Luff and Will Hayman, and they add to that party feel that the music start off with.

Sound design is by Beth Duke and was at the perfect level and was crystal clear with the music and spoken sections. You can hear every word.

The play lasts for just two hours with a twenty minute interval included. It's an inspiring and moving story of fight, and will give you plenty to discuss after the show, and while no one can shy away from the racist element - unfortunately it's still part of everyday life all over the world - it does leave you with a nice warm feeling, knowing that with hard work and belief, the underdog can win the day.

"Coming To England" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 1 February.