We take a look at what critics have had to say about this revival of the musical.
Broadway World: **** “This revival is a fine tribute to Stratford East’s former artistic director Philip Hedley, who championed the show. With most of the new cast third generation Caribbean, it is a personal piece for them, and they perform it with heart, soul, and song.”
The Guardian: *** “Perhaps that is the point: the focus of this show is fun and entertainment, and it stays lovable until the end. At three hours long, it is baggy, yet it’s hard to resent its big-hearted excesses.”
Evening Standard: **** “At over three hours long The Big Life could be a bit smaller. But it’s a fittingly crowd-pleasing tribute to Stratford’s former boss Philip Headley, who commissioned it and who died in January. And when Mrs Aphrodite reminds us that the invited Windrush immigrants came to Britain “with love and respect”, many of them to work for the NHS, you have to cheer.”
Time Out: **** “There’s no weak link in this colossally talented cast, but the evening belongs to Tameka Empson as Mrs Aphrodite. Sitting somewhere between a Greek chorus and a Jamaican elder, she parks herself in the theatre’s royal box and chucks in riotous remarks on the action – on the night I see it she even drops the contents of her bags into the stalls. She’s a mastermind comedian, but an even better orator – ‘we came here not only to work but show love,’ she reminds us of the Windrush generation. Her words are a tribute to them – abundantly full of compassion and fury for the hand they were unfairly served.”
British Theatre Guide: “This life-enhancing production gets high energy performances from everyone, each a star in a joyful ensemble. Its celebration of positive values set against the shadow of prejudice has been dedicated to the memory of Philip Hedley, Theatre Royal Artistic Director 1979–2004 who to create this show brought together writers Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson, composer Paul Joseph and original director Clint Dyer (now Deputy Artistic Director at the National Theatre).”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “But The Big Life is mainly a great big party of a show. Cultural differences are often a source of humour, such as the British fixation on queuing, and there are some sharp gags.”
West End Best Friend: ***** “The creative team led by director Tinuke Craig and choreographer Ingrid Mackinnon have created something quite remarkable in this production of The Big Life. It deserves to sell out at Stratford East and should certainly transfer as did the original. Musical theatre at its best, beautifully performed, at turns hilarious and thought-provoking, and a great night out.”
Theatre & Tonic: **** ” Tinuke Craig directed ‘The Big Life’ with such attention to detail, making sure every move was a definite choice. Ingrid Mackinnon’s choreography was so much fun to watch and it seemed like just as much fun to perform. The costuming of the piece was also very cleverly designed by Jasmine Swan, who also designed the set. By matching each couple in the same coloured clothing it was very easy to see which two would be paired as soon as you met each character. It was very effective.”
The Reviews Hub: **** 1/2 “Bringing this show back to the stage was a brilliant decision for those involved. The unique score, enjoyable storyline and fantastic cast make this show a complete winner, and it’s impossible not to spend most of the three-hour runtime whole-heartedly enraptured.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “I wasn’t sure what to expect with The Big Life. I am certain it wasn’t this. I can’t remember the last time I smiled so much in a theatre with this production perfectly embodying the true magic of theatre and all of the joy it can bring. Though it is full of laughs, it also comes with a serious message, managing to strike the balance between light-hearted and heavier topics with ease.”
The Spy in the stalls: ***** “The whole show is a wondrous vision. The score is a dream. Twenty years ago, it transferred to the West End. The standing ovation it received this time around will surely guide it there again. In double-time, of course – it is a ‘Ska musical’ after all.”
WhatsOnStage: *** “If ultimately The Big Life in this version suggests that you can sometimes have too much of a good thing, it’s heart is undeniably in the right place. There are plenty of moments, usually involving Ingrid Mackinnon’s loose-limbed choreography, Joseph’s lilting tunes and the wall-shaking voices of the cast, when it truly soars. It may be in need of some judicious editing, but it’s still a rollicking crowd pleaser.”
Lost in Theatreland: **** “Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson have co-written a beautiful piece of theatre. It is equally funny, yet heartwarming. Paul Joseph and Paul Sirett’s music leaves you dancing even after you leave the theatre.”
The Telegraph: **** “The ska-led spin on Love’s Labour’s Lost was a huge success 20 years ago – and this wonderful revival should likewise be heartily embraced.”
The Big Life continues to play at Stratford East until the 30th March.