Journey from the sun-drenched shores of Jamaica to the cold, grey streets of post-war London in Small Island, a powerful new staging of Andrea Levy’s award-winning novel. Adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson and directed by Matthew Xia, this bold and deeply human production explores the Windrush narrative with a rare combination of intimacy, scale and emotional resonance.
At the heart of the story are four unforgettable characters. Hortense and Gilbert, hopeful Jamaican migrants seeking dignity, opportunity and a new life in Britain; Queenie, an Englishwoman who insists on following her own path despite societal expectations; and Bernard, her husband, wrestling with change, conflict and the shifting realities of a world reshaped by war. Their lives intertwine in unexpected ways as they navigate racism, longing, love and the fragile hope of belonging in a country still struggling with the legacy of empire.
This new production draws from the vivid emotional power of Levy’s novel, spanning continents and decades to illuminate the human cost and cultural transformation at the heart of the Windrush story. Music inspired by calypso, striking visual design and atmospheric storytelling bring the era to life, capturing both the joy of new beginnings and the pain of displacement. The result is a sweeping, heartfelt theatrical experience that speaks directly to modern Britain.
Presented by Birmingham Rep, Leeds Playhouse and Nottingham Playhouse in association with Actors Touring Company, this staging represents a major creative collaboration between some of the UK’s leading theatre organisations.
Running time: approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes, including an interval.
Age guidance: 12+ (no under-5s permitted).
Content advice: strong language and themes of racism.
Access performances:
- Audio Described: Saturday 11 April at 1.30pm
- Free Touch Tour available at 12.00pm before the Audio Described performance
- Captioned: Thursday 9 April at 1.30pm and 7.00pm
- Chilled performance: Saturday 11 April at 1.30pm
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