Big Life, The

Alternative title: The Ska Musical
Synopsis: Based loosely on the plot of Love’s Labour’s Lost, the action of this much acclaimed ska musical is set in 1950s London. The Big Life follows the fortunes of a group of Caribbean immigrants arriving in Britain on board of the Windrush. In order to make the most of their new lives in England, they vow to forswear women and to devote themselves to self-improvement. In the radio adaptation the play is narrated by the Admiral, one of the passengers of the ship.
Series: Play of the Week (BBC World Service)
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Radio; Video
Notes: The stage production of the play is recorded on 3 cameras from the performance at the Apollo Theatre on 21 June 2005 and available for viewing by appointment at the V&A Theatre & Performance Collections, National Video Archive of Performance.
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: musicals; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Multicultural casting; Black actors; Ska

Director

Clint Dyer

Producer

Writer

Music

Contributor

Cast