Windrush by Song is a vibrant, heartfelt celebration of Caribbean heritage, family history and the enduring legacy of the Windrush generation. Blending music, dance and theatre, the production tells a cross-generational story of love, resilience and cultural pride that travels from the sunlit shores of 1940s Nevis to the challenging realities of post-war Britain.
The story begins when a brother and sister discover an old photograph that awakens forgotten memories and transports them back in time. Through their eyes, we meet Sorel and Ginger, their grandparents, whose love story unfolds against the backdrop of migration and the search for belonging. From their early lives in the Caribbean to their journeys across the Atlantic, we witness the courage it took to leave home, the cold welcome they received upon arrival, and the community they built in the face of hostility and racism.
Told through a rich Caribbean lens, the production captures the rhythms, humour and tenderness of island life while exploring the bittersweet experience of settling in Britain. The show’s live band, under the musical direction of Christella Litras, brings the era to life with melodies rooted in calypso, gospel and folk traditions. Moments of dance and movement weave throughout, creating a sensory tapestry of sound and memory that honours the vibrant cultural contributions of the Windrush generation.
Written and directed by Omari Swanston-Jeffers, Windrush by Song features standout performances by Swanston-Jeffers and Katrina Nisbett, supported by a full house band. The production is created by Ol’ Man Swanny in partnership with Renaissance One, with support from Arts Council England.
Emotional, immersive and deeply celebratory, Windrush by Song offers audiences of all ages an opportunity to reflect on the journeys that shaped modern Britain, the sacrifices made by thousands of Caribbean families, and the enduring power of love to carry us across oceans and generations.
Performances:
Mon 22 Jun — 7.45pm
Tue 23 Jun — 7.45pm
Priority booking:
Opens 20 Nov 2025 at 1pm for Playhouse Pass, Priority Access, Supporters’ Club and Under 30s members.
General booking opens 27 Nov 2025 at 12.30pm.
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