Coming To England
An inspirational story of hope, determination and triumph
Returning with a new look, Floella Benjamin’s award-winning and iconic book Coming to England comes to life in this joyful stage adaptation with music, storytelling and song.
Much loved by children and families, Coming to England tells Floella’s own story of moving to England as a child.
Energetic, colourful, welcoming, warm, and just a joy to watch.”
★★★★★, Theatre and Tonic
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.
Adapted for the stage by David Wood (“the national children’s dramatist” – The Times) this vibrant and energetic show is the perfect entertainment for the whole family.
It’s vibrant, proud, and bursting at the seams with love.”
★★★★, Behind the Arras
Price
From £15
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Based on the book by
Floella Benjamin
Adapted by
David Wood
Directed by
Denzel Westley Sanderson
Age Guidance
7+
Content advice
This performance contains the theme of racism and descriptions of racially motivated attacks.
Fees and charges
Please note there is a transaction fee of £3.50 on all payment types.
Venue
Production Photos
Production photography by Mark Senior, at Oxford Playhouse.
Production photography by Mark Senior, at Oxford Playhouse.
Production photography by Mark Senior, at Oxford Playhouse.
Production photography by Mark Senior, at Oxford Playhouse.
Production photography by Mark Senior, at Oxford Playhouse.
Production photography by Mark Senior, at Oxford Playhouse.
Production photography by Mark Senior, at Oxford Playhouse.
Production photography by Mark Senior, at Oxford Playhouse.
Cast
Julene Robinson
Julene is a Jamaican London based award-winning actor, multidisciplinary artist and scientist. Robinson graduated with distinction from Rose Bruford College for theatre and performance.
Theatre credits include: The Night Woman (Barbican Centre), Get Up! Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical (Lyric Theatre), The Ranch of the Lost Boys (Roundhouse), The Mountaintop & God of Carnage (University Player), Invisible Silver (Park Theatre) and many more.
Television credits include: The Witcher (Netflix)
Films credits include: I am Mia, Cleaning House, A Luta Continua
Charles Angiama
Charles is a highly experienced actor with numerous stage and screen appearances to his credit. He is delighted to be appearing in this production of Coming to England.
Screen credits include: OFFENCE, Little Explosions, and an episode of Tell Me Everything (ITV 2); the film OBA; episodes of the sitcom Bloods Series 2 (Sky); The B@it (Channel 4) and a music video with Navos for the track Believe Me (Island Records). He has appeared in many corporate and educational films and commercials.
Theatre credits include: Mr Myers in Fame The Musical (in Greece); King Triton in The Little Mermaid (Hoxton Hall); the Brother in The Royal Christmas Pudding (Story Museum, Oxford); Friar Tuck in Robin Hood (Hazlitt Productions) and Harry Eckles/Journalist in Tony! The Tony Blair Rock Opera (Park Theatre, London).
Other highlights include: a new folk musical The Pocket and Brief Encounter (Watermill Theatre, Newbury); C-O-N-T-A-C-T (London and Manchester); One Man, Two Guvnors (Torch Theatre, Milford Haven) and the lead role of Delbert Tibbs in The Exonerated (Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester).
Maryla Abraham
Maryla is a multi-talented artist known for her work as a gospel singer, writer, presenter, and actress. With an impressive vocal range and a commanding soulful tone, she has captivated audiences for over 30 years. Maryla’s journey into music began in the East End of London, where she has played a significant role in community-based projects, sharing messages of love, peace, hope, and redemption through her music.
Her passion for singing was ignited at the age of 15 when she won a local talent competition, leading her to the recording studio—a place that has remained a second home ever since. Maryla’s deep connection to music is evident in every note she sings, reflecting her dedication to her craft.
In addition to her work as a gospel artist, Maryla has showcased her talents on stage, having been cast in numerous lead roles in community theatre productions over the years. Her experience in musical theatre has further solidified her reputation as a versatile performer with a deep commitment to the arts
Shaquille Jack
Shaquille is a London-based actor, singer, and dancer. He graduated the MA Acting Program at Mountview in 2021.
Theatre Credits include: THE HUNT (St. Ann’s Warehouse, New York); For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy (Apollo Theatre); REDEMPTION (The Big House).
Solomon Gordon
Solomon is a graduate from Leeds Conservatoire. Born in Bradford, Solomon began studying acting at age 16 whilst also studying music from the age of 11 years old, gaining multiple qualifications in both sectors.
Credits whilst training include: Theseus in Moira Buffini’s Welcome To Thebes, Earl Ross from Aaron Posner’s Cherry Tortured, an adaption of Anton Chekovs’ The Cherry Orchard (Leeds Conservatoire).
He has also hosted events in Bradford surrounding the Windrush Generation, and singing as part of an ensemble for the BBC as well as performing at gigs and wedding events.
Simone Robinson
Simone is thrilled to be joining the UK Tour of Coming To England.
Theatre includes: Offstage Understudy in Passing Strange (Young Vic, London); Lead Vocalist in Burn the Floor, Nala in Lion King: Rhythm of the Pridelands (Paris); Vocalist and Cover Whitney Houston in Whitney Houston, Queen of the Night (UK and International Tour); Ensemble in Tina Turner, What’s Love Got To Do With It? (UK Tour).
Alexander Bellinfantie
Training: ArtsEd BA Acting
Screen includes: My Bloody Galentine (Benattar/Thomas Productions), Sweetpea (Sky)
Credits while training: The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (ArtsEd), Julius Ceasar (ArtsEd), The Amen Corner (ArtsEd), Everyman (ArtsEd), The Seagull (ArtsEd)
Taya Ming
Theatre includes: Much Ado About Nothing (Roy Alexander-Weise, RSC), Slumlord (Alfie Niel, Theatre Peckham), Innocent Means Not Guilty (Jeremiah Towolawi, Theatre Peckham), Robin Hood, The Legend Retold (Regents Park Open Air Theatre), Merchant of Venice (Ovo Theatre)
Jordan Stamatiadis
Training: New York University (Theatre) and Royal Academy of Music (Music Theatre).
Theatre credits include: Daisy in Sleeping Beauty (Charing Cross Theatre), Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends: A Celebration (Sondheim Theatre), Emergency Cover in An Officer and A Gentleman (UK Tour), Maria Friedman and Friends: Legacy (Menier Chocolate Factory), Mel in …Friends and Other Tiny Catastrophes (The Pleasance), Teddy Trager in Aussie Song (Hudson Guild Theatre, off-Broadway), Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Provincetown Playhouse,NY) and Patty/Susan in The Oldenburg Suite (New York Music Theatre Festival).
Workshop credits include: Amber in The Hatpin, Eleanor in Treason and The Day the Sea Caught Fire.
Screen credits include: Aphy in Sandman (Netflix).
Christian James
Christian trained at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama where he received the Andrew Lloyd Webber Scholarship.
Theatre credits include: Romeo & Juliet (Guildford Shakespeare Company); Fighting Irish (Coventry Belgrade Theatre); Dirty Dancing (UK Tour); Magic Goes Wrong (West End); Peter Pan Goes Wrong (UK Tour); Horrible Histories ‘Terrible Thames’ ; The Commitments (UK Tour); Do You Love This Planet? (Actors Centre); Newsrevue (Edinburgh Fringe); H.R.Haitch (Union Theatre); The Adventures of Pinocchio (Greenwich Theatre).
Television credit include: The Enfield Poltergeist (Apple TV)
Kamarane Grant
Kamarane trained at Italia Conti, Musical Theatre Diploma Level 6 graduating in 2021. She is now very excited to be joining us on her first UK Tour as Dance Captain and On Stage swing for Coming to England.
Credits whilst training: Ensemble in her third year production of Made in Dagenham; the supporting role of Roz in the second production of 9 to 5.
Theatre includes: Young Leah in Sir Lenny Henry’s production of Three Little Birds.
Joe Pieri
Training: Joe is a recent graduate from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Prior, he completed a BA Hons degree in History at the University of Cambridge. He is delighted to be making his UK Tour debut in Coming to England.
Credits while training: Sweet Charity, Fun Home, Cambridge Footlights Pantomime: Red Riding Hood.
Theatre credits include: The Roles We’ll Never Play (Clapham Grand); Beauty and the Beast (West End in Schools).