Coming to England, a new stage adaptation based on Floella Benjamin’s award-winning book, began a national tour last month at Swansea Grand Theatre before taking in Oxford and Lichfield before arriving in Cheltenham where it plays until Saturday.
The play tells Benjamin’s own story of moving to England from Trinidad with her siblings at the age of 10 to join her parents there.
We spoke with director Denzel Westley-Sanderson as the tour prepares to set off again with dates in Southampton, Nottingham, Birmingham and Northampton.
Q&A with Denzel Westley-Sanderson
What’s it like to be directing this new adaptation of Coming to England?
Directing Coming to England feels incredibly special on so many levels. With my family roots in Trinidad, I grew up listening to stories of their journey to England in the 1960s. To now be able to bring the powerful and inspiring story of Floella Benjamin and countless other Caribbean people to life on stage feels like a beautiful full-circle moment for me.
When did you first become aware of the book and the potential for a stage show?
I was aware of the book, though I didn’t have the chance to study it when I was in school. But when I was approached to direct the stage adaptation, the first thing I did was read the book to my little brother and sister. Their excitement, curiosity, and connection to the characters and story made it clear to me that this was a project I had to bring to the stage.
What was it that attracted you to directing the show?
What drew me to this project was the way the book communicates with children—it doesn’t talk down to them. It captures moments of pure joy, but also doesn’t shy away from the hardships Floella’s family, and so many others from the Caribbean faced when they came to England in the 1960s. I believe it’s crucial to understand our history, and the book does this beautifully, balancing the challenges with a message of hope and positivity that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Has your vision for the production changed as you approach opening night?
What’s been most exciting about this project is working with an amazing cast. I came in with initial ideas for how scenes might look, but the talent and individuality each cast member brings to the table have taken those ideas to a whole new level. Watching the production evolve in response to their performances has been thrilling.
How does it feel to be taking the show on the road for a national tour?
Taking the show on the road is incredibly exciting. Touring is such an important part of UK theatre—especially with a story like this, which is studied in schools. Bringing this production to people’s hometowns just feels right. Much of my work has been on touring productions, and I believe that making theatre accessible across the country really enriches our industry as a whole.
