The Big Life: The Ska Musical

In 1950s London, Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis, and Lennie arrive from the West Indies with high hopes and dreams. They decide to forgo wine and women for three years to focus on their future. However, their resolve is tested when they encounter the realities of life in a less-than-welcoming England. Will they stick to their plan or give in to the allure of Eros? The Big Life is a ska musical that combines the story of Shakespeare's Loves Labours Lost with the Windrush generation. It is a joyful and uplifting journey that follows the characters as they navigate their way through London's vibrant music scene.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the vibrant city of 1950s London, a group of young men arrives from the West Indies, brimming with excitement and dreams of a better future. Ferdy, Bernie, Dennis, and Lennie, driven by their unwavering optimism, eagerly set out to create their success stories. They are determined to build a new life in this foreign land, embracing focus and sacrifice as the keys to their success. With a bold decision, they pledge to forgo wine and women for three whole years, dedicating themselves entirely to their future in London. However, their plans are soon challenged by the women in their lives: Sybil, Mary, Zulieka, and Kathy. They have different ideas and aspirations, causing the men's resolve to be tested as they face the realities of life in a less-than-welcoming England. The temptation of female companionship becomes increasingly difficult to resist, threatening to sway their commitment to the Big Life. Will the men stick to their ideals, or will Eros, the powerful force of desire, have the final say? Prepare for a joyful and uplifting journey that blends the timeless tale of Shakespeare's Loves Labours Lost with the vibrant spirit of the Windrush generation. The Big Life returns to the stage, twenty years after its Stratford East premiere and subsequent West End transfer. This edition has been published to coincide with the upcoming production at London's Stratford East, presented in association with Chuchu Nwagu Productions Ltd. Get ready to be transported back to a time of hope, determination, and the pursuit of a brighter future, as the young men navigate the challenges and temptations of life in a foreign land.

Weight: 182g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350497108