I don’t think I’ve had as much fun as an audience member ever. This show displays such truth, weight and a moving message, while making you laugh like never before. The Ska musical is a work of true perfection.

The Big Life is a celebration of the Windrush generation and Carribean culture as a whole and carries as poignant a message today as it did back in 2004 when Stratford East first produced it. Relatable to all generations from the youngest to those that remember and experienced the events of the show, The Big Life follows the journey of four young men arriving in England to start a new life, only to be hit with cold weather and unwelcoming people. However, for the four young men, love prevails and takes them on a heart-warming and hilarious journey. Based on Shakespeare’s ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ the show encapsulates the power of young love like no other show I’ve seen.

Paul Sirett, Paul Joseph and Tameka Empson have written from places of truth and created an impeccably gripping journey of emotions. Each character is so human and relatable yet so extremely different that you do feel a part of the friendship group. Each bring something different to the table and have their own strengths and faults. The writing is a perfect blend of comedy, depth and profound truth that describes a human experience in a fun and lively way.

Tameka as Mrs. Aphrodite is by far the highlight of the show. Sat among the audience, she provides hilarious and hearty commentary throughout during scene changes that you feel you are watching with her as she retells memories from her experience on the topic. Opening with stating her grandson is in the show is pure genius also. She is one of the most likeable characters I’ve come across in theatre. The entire audience rallied behind her as she made us think, relax and laugh, especially when she stated she loved all Caribbean islands “But Jamaica is the best though”.

The songs from Joseph and Sirett are irresistible and just make you want to move. The show felt like it had a consistent beat and rhythm to it even when no music was being played that put everyone at ease. Seldom were you unable to see a head bouncing or shoulders moving.

The cast were exceptional and showed a true cohesive company that felt like a group you wanted to be a part of. Despite the deafening talent they all felt human and personable. Karl Queensborough and Theo St. Claire were definite stand outs for their impressive comedy, character and creativity. The entire ensemble lacked fault as the bar was consistently high. Jacob Sparrow has done a wonderful job of casting.

Overall Tinuke Craig has brought a complete triumph and I am glad to see it back.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️