Small Island – Birmingham Rep

Andrea Levy’s 2004 novel set primarily in 1948 focussing on Jamaican immigrants travelling to post-war Britain and exploring themes of identity and race relations has already been adapted into a highly acclaimed BBC TV series. Here we have a stage adaptation by the very accomplished Helen Edmundson which first saw light at the National Theatre in 2019 garnering a slew of impressive reviews including Michael Billington’s claim for it to be ‘one of the most important plays of the year.”

We follow our characters as they journey from the sun-scorned beaches of Jamaica to the cold, unwelcoming streets of London in the 40s’ encountering entitlement, abuse and the inevitable racism. This is the Windrush story told in just three short hours which fly by and the tale of Hortense, Gilbert, Queenie and Bernard as they all struggle to change and adapt to new circumstances where love crosses the boundaries of class and colour.

It is a play of hope and determination against a tide of oppression and anger the ideology of which is equally as pertinent today as it was in 1948 with its complex narrative delivered in crystal clarity by a perfect ensemble of talented actors. Matthew’s Xia’s crisp direction ensures even moment earns its keep and not a moment is wasted. Simon Kenny’s set and costume designs coupled with Ciaran Cunningham’s sumptuous lighting and Adrienne Quartly’s perfect sound design add up to a vibrant and important evening of theatre.

Helen Edmundson harness’s the various narrative strands with aplomb and deftly unfurls each intertwined tale with surprise, delight, humour and mortal depth. An adaptation of a long novel where doubtless lots more happens but here nothing feels left out. The audience were hooked throughout and hung on every syllable.

As for the cast, we couldn’t have asked for better. Anna Chrichlow as Hortense richly etched her character with pride, vulnerability and determination. Bronte Barbe brought a rich, solid humanity to hers while her husband Bernard played by Mark Arends offered able support with a character both shocking and comic. Daniel Ward as Gilbert added just a little extra bit of twinkle to his role as the husband of Hortense blending a deep pathos with strong, bold humour and lands himself the funniest line of the night.

“Small Island” is such a clear balance of comedy and tragedy wrapped in story of strength and nobility ending on a final image I defy anyone not to find profoundly moving.

Birmingham Rep Theatre is Birmingham’s historic producing theatre on Centenary Square, staging eclectic drama, comedy, musicals and new writing across three stages, with national and international tours. Official website: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/

Reviewer: Peter Kinnock

Reviewed: 2nd April 2026

North West End UK Rating: