Marking the anniversary of National Windrush Day, Nicoll Entertainment and MAST Mayflower Studios present the UK tour of Coming to England, a brand new stage adaptation based on Floella Benjamin’s award-winning book. Adapted by David Wood ('the national children’s dramatist’ - The Times) with music, story-telling and song, this inspirational story of hope. This inspirational story of hope, determination and triumph is much loved by children and families, telling Floella’s own story of moving to England as a child. The UK tour will open on 13th September at Swansea Grand Theatre.
Aged just 10, she and her siblings left Trinidad and sailed alone to join their parents. But Floella’s excitement for her new life in England is short-lived, with her family subjected to racism and intolerance in 1960s’ London. Guided by her mother, and working twice as hard as her classmates, Coming to England tells the story of how a young Floella overcame adversity and grew to become Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham.
This vibrant and energetic musical is the perfect entertainment for the whole family. Director Denzel Westley-Sanderson (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, National Theatre, winner of the RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award) is joined by Designer Jasmine Swan, Musical director Abdul Shyllon and Choreographer & Movement Director Kloe Dean.
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| Denzel Westley-Sanderson. Photo by Ben Richards |
Ahead of the tour we sat down with director Denzel Westley-Sanderson to learn more.
Where did your arts career begin?
My first professional paid job was as the assistant director on Danny Robins' play End of the Pier at the Park Theatre. It all happened quite quickly, and suddenly, I found myself in a room with actors I’d grown up watching on TV. I started to work my way up, taking on assistant and associate roles on various shows. Then, in 2021, I was honoured to receive the Sir Peter Hall Directing Award, which truly opened many doors for me.
My first professional paid job was as the assistant director on Danny Robins' play End of the Pier at the Park Theatre. It all happened quite quickly, and suddenly, I found myself in a room with actors I’d grown up watching on TV. I started to work my way up, taking on assistant and associate roles on various shows. Then, in 2021, I was honoured to receive the Sir Peter Hall Directing Award, which truly opened many doors for me.
But if I’m honest, my journey in the arts truly began much earlier, back in primary school. I’ve always loved participating in school productions—I remember playing James in James and the Giant Peach and Danny Zuko in Grease. However, it was during secondary school, under the guidance of my two incredible drama teachers, that I started to envision a real future in the arts. They inspired me to create and explore my passion. Recently, I had a very special moment when one of those teachers came to see my production of The Importance of Being Earnest—it felt like everything had come full circle.
How have you approached your career to where you are now?
It wasn’t until my third year of university that I truly fell in love with directing. Up until then, I always imagined myself pursuing a career in acting. But something shifted during that year, and I knew I wanted to explore a different path. I started working, determined to get into as many rehearsal rooms as possible. I was fortunate to gain experience at places like Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, the Almeida, and the National Theatre. Being in those environments and learning from incredible directors really shaped my practice.
When I first started out, my mantra was very much “Just go for it and see what happens.” That hasn’t totally gone awaybut as time went on, I became more focused on honing the craft of directing. Pursuing an MA in Theatre Directing at Mountview was a significant turning point for me. It not only refined my approach but also deepened my understanding of the work. If I look back at the first play I directed, I’d like to think my style and approach have evolved significantly since then. I now make it a point to delve much deeper into the text, carefully considering elements that I might have overlooked in the past.
Each experience has contributed to where I am now, and I’m continuously learning and adapting with every project.
What can you tell me about Coming To England and your role as director?
Coming To England is such a powerful and inspiring story, centred around the incredible life of Floella Benjamin and her family's journey from Trinidad to England in the 1960s. As the director, my responsibility is to bring this story to life on stage, translating the emotions and experiences from the page to a live audience. I started working on this project back in February, collaborating closely with the brilliant writer David Wood on the adaptation. We've shared many creative ideas to ensure that the essence of Floella’s journey is beautifully captured.
One of the most rewarding aspects has been working with designer, Jasmine Swan, to envision the world through the eyes of young Floella. We’ve had many discussions about how to recreate the world from a child’s perspective, which has been both challenging and exciting. The casting process was also a highlight—I had the privilege of meeting so many incredibly talented actors, and I'm genuinely thrilled to see how this remarkable cast will bring their unique energies and interpretations to the show.
This project is particularly close to my heart, and I can't wait for audiences to experience the story we've crafted together.
What attracted you to this project?
My family's roots are in Trinidad, and I grew up hearing stories like Floella's. Reading her story reminded me so much of the journey my own family faced. As soon as I received the email about this project, I was beyond excited. Telling Floella's story, which also resonates with the experiences of so many Caribbean people, fills me with immense pride and joyto bring this story to the stage.
How would you describe your working style to anyone unfamiliar with your work?
For me, collaboration is key. I believe the best shows come to life when you have a room full of ideas that I can mould and shape. I love hearing different opinions and taking those ideas to the next level. It's all about creating an environment where creativity can thrive.
What is your working process when preparing for a production?
When I first receive a script, I take a few days to lock myself away and just sit with the text. I then create an idea sheet, breaking the play into smaller sections and jotting down as many ideas as possible, no matter how big or small. I let these ideas sit for a week, so that when I return, I can filter out the less promising ones and focus on those I want to develop further. The next step for me is building the creative team, as their ideas and expertise help shape the production as we work through the script together.
What do you think this piece says to an audience?
I hope this piece brings a sense of joy and inspiration to people, young and old, especially in today's world, where westill face so much division and prejudice. This story highlights the beauty of immigration and the resilience of a generation that worked tirelessly despite the harsh treatment they received. I want audiences to walk away knowing that with hard work and determination, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
How wonderful is it getting to work alongside adapted David Wood OBE and Floella Benjamin whose book inspired the production?
It has been an absolute honour. David has been incredibly generous, and we've spent some wonderful days discussing the play and sharing thoughts. Working with Floella has been truly inspiring as well. I had a surreal moment when my phone rang, and it was Floella and her husband Keith, calling to check in and see how I was doing, it was so kind. Moments like these remind me how special this project is.
What keeps you inspired?
Beyoncé.
But in all seriousness, it's meeting new people and exploring new places that really keeps me inspired. Recently, I directed a show with 36 young people at the Bolton Octogen, and seeing how hard they worked, and the joy theatre brought them was truly inspiring. It's moments like these that fuel my passion.
What do you hope someone takes away from seeing Coming To England?
I hope they leave with a sense of hope and inspiration. I want people to feel encouraged to follow their dreams, no matter what challenges they face. This production doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of feeling different, but it also shows that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Coming To England tours beginning at Swansea Grand Theatre from 13th September 2024, and has dates booking through until March. For venues and tickets visit www.comingtoengland.com
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