The Big Life Tickets

Perfect for lovers of uplifting live entertainment, this vividly colourful production blends the plot of Shakespeare’s play Love’s Labour’s Lost with the true story of the Windrush generation. The Big Life is back in theatreland two decades after its original West End transfer, and if you love Ska music you’ll be dancing in your seat.

Why you should book Big Life tickets

The Big Life is a vibrant British musical with music by Paul Joseph, lyrics by Paul Sirett, and a book by Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson. It’s directed by Tinuke Craig.

The action takes us on board the Windrush Empire where Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis and Lennie are optimistic about their new life in Britain. The young men are prepared to work hard, vowing to avoid wine and women for three years while they devote their energies to a bright London future. But Sybil, Mary, Zulieka and Kathy know better.

The men’s resolve is put to the test as the reality of life in an often-unfriendly England bites along with the weather, making it hard to do without female company. Will the men stick with their idea about The Big Life they’re determined to live? If not, will love conquer all?

The musical premiered at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in 2004. It transferred to the Apollo Theatre in 2005, received a nomination for Best New Musical at the 2006 Oliviers, and now the show’s back for its 20th anniversary, presented once more by Theatre Royal Stratford East.

A trailblazing Ska musical packed with big, bold characters with voices to match, it’s full of great music celebrating the joy of love as well as melancholy songs about broken hearts and the frustrations of celibacy. The singers are backed by live musicians and you can expect serious moments as well as joyful ones, reminding us about the bigotry West Indian people faced in Britain 50 years ago.

The cast and creative team of The Big Life

Tameka Empson (EastEnders) is reprising her role as Mrs Aphrodite from the original production. Juliet Agnes (The Tempest, Wonder Boy) who plays Kathy joins Danny Bailey (A Strange Loop, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Admiral and Eros, and Gabrielle Brooks (Milma’s Tale, Once On This Island, Get Up, Stand Up!) plays Sybil.

Nathanael Campbell (Flowers For Mrs Harris, Come From Away) is Bernie, Khalid Daley (Choir Boy, Hamilton) plays Dennis, and Beth Elliott (Black Love) plays Jacqueline and the Secretary. Leanne Henlon (Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner) is Mary, Rachel John (The Secret Life of Bees, The Bodyguard) plays Zulieka, Karl Queensborough (Hamilton, Sylvia) is Lennie, and Ashley Samuels (Oklahoma!, Hairspray) plays Ferdy.

Jasmine Swan is responsible for Set and Costume Design and Elliot Griggs for the Lighting Design. Emma Laxton is Sound Designer and Ian Oakley is Musical Director, with Ingrid Mackinnon as the Choreographer. Jacob Sparrow is the Casting Director.

Looking for a joyful and uplifting production? The Big Life is a fun-packed Ska musical that'll have you dancing in your seats. If you missed this show the last time it was on the stage, don't miss your chance to see it this time around.