It’s 1948 and on board the Windrush Empire, journeying over from the West Indies to England, Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis and Lennie are full of expectations and aspirations.
Eager to make successes of themselves, they are optimistic about what the future holds, plus Dennis is certain that showing his brother’s posthumous medal from World War II will mean he is welcomed heartily. Building this new life will take focus and sacrifice, and the young men make the bold decision to forswear wine and women for three whole years and devote themselves to their future in London.
Sybil, Mary, Zulieka and Kathy have other ideas. They know that man cannot live by bread alone! So each one's resolve is put to the test as the reality of life in a less-than-welcoming England, not to mention the weather, makes forgoing the warmth of female company hard to resist. Will the men stick with their idea of The Big Life, or will Cupid have the final say?
A joyful and uplifting production, where the story of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost meets that of the Windrush generation in a fun-packed Ska musical that’ll have you dancing in your seats.
THE BIG LIFE returns to the stage 20 years after its Stratford East premiere and subsequent West End transfer.
Concessions
Available for under 17s
Click here for details about companion/carer tickets
Schools Rates
Newham schools: £12 per person
All other schools: £14 per person
Group Bookings
If you buy nine standard rate tickets then you get the 10th free. Group bookings (of nine or more tickets) can only be booked over the phone or in person.
Booking Enquiries
Our online booking system doesn’t allow customers to leave isolated seats. We do this in order to prevent gaps in the auditorium.
Currently seats are on sale from Row B in the stalls, and it is possible that Row A will go on sale at a later date, so please be aware that purchasing seats in Row B does not guarantee that you will be in the front row.
Please note that our boxes have a slightly restricted view. Seats marked with an ‘i’ on the seating plan have a restricted view.
If you require any help with your booking then please contact our Box Office by emailing tickets@stratfordeast.com or calling 020 8534 0310.
Our ticket prices increase as the theatre fills. We always recommend booking early to secure the best seats at the best price.
Book by Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson
Lyrics by Paul Sirett
Music by Paul Joseph
Director Tinuke Craig
Assistant Director position funded by Fenton Arts Trust, Idlewild Trust and Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation.
Age guidance: 10+ (contains one use of a strong racial slur – click here for Content Advisory Notes)
Access Performances:
BSL interpreted: Thu 14 March, 7.30pm
Captioned: Fri 15 Mar, 7.30pm
Audio Described: Sat 16 Mar, 2.30pm
Relaxed Environment (what's this?): Sat 09 Mar, 2.30pm
Pay What You Can performance (what's this?): Tue 20 Feb, 7.30pm
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