Cast announced for stage adaptation of Floella Benjamin's autobiographical book COMING TO ENGLAND | West End Best Friend

The lineup of actors has been revealed for the upcoming tour of the stage version of Floella Benjamin's popular and award-winning book Coming to England. The tour will kick off at Swansea Grand Theatre on 13 September.

This exciting and lively new show, featuring music by Nicoll Entertainment and MAST Mayflower Studios, shares the personal journey of Floella as she immigrated to England in the 1960s when she was just 10 years old. "Coming to England" is a powerful story of resilience and persistence, showcasing hope and victory during the Windrush Generation. The play is being transformed for the stage by David Wood OBE.

The actors in Coming to England come from both the stage and screen, including Julene Robinson from Get Up! Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical in the West End, Charles Angiama from Tell Me Everything on ITV2, Maryla Abraham who is a gospel singer, writer, presenter, and actress, Shaquille Jack from For Black Boys Who Consider Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy in the West End, Solomon Gordon from Welcome To Thebes at Leeds Conservatoire, Simone Robinson from Passing Strange at Young Vic, Alexander Bellinfantie from My Bloody Galentine by Benattar/Thomas Productions, Taya Ming from Much Ado About Nothing at RSC, Jordan Stamatiadis from Sleeping Beauty at Charing Cross Theatre, Christian James from Dirty Dancing on a UK Tour, Kamarane Grant from Three Little Birds on ITV, and Joe Pieri from The Roles We’ll Never Play at Clapham Grand.

When Floella was only 10 years old, she and her siblings left Trinidad and sailed to England to be with their parents. However, Floella's initial joy for her new life quickly faded as her family faced racism and discrimination in 1960s London. With her mother's guidance and determination to work twice as hard as her peers, Coming to England shares the journey of how a young Floella conquered challenges and eventually became Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham.

Baroness Floella Benjamin expressed her excitement and happiness about the wonderful cast being revealed for the emotional show Coming to England. The production tells the story of a child's journey, using music, dance, storytelling, and drama to showcase the inspiring Windrush experience of overcoming obstacles through love, family, and a sense of belonging. The diverse cast and creative team bring a range of talents and experiences to the show, which is filled with valuable lessons for families to enjoy, set to a lively soundtrack of fun songs. Everyone involved is eager to share Coming to England with audiences throughout the UK.

The fresh lineup for this delightful and hopeful musical play features a talented group of artists, led by director Denzel Westley Sanderson, set designer Jasmine Swan, musical director Abdul Shyllon, choreographer Kloe Dean, lighting designers Rachel Luff and Will Hayman, sound designer Beth Duke, and casting by Richard Johnston for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting.

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