As Reading Leader, I’m always on the lookout for amazing ways to bring books to life. At Southill Primary we love a trip to the theatre and so I was delighted when I saw that a musical production of Floella Benjamin’s Coming to England is coming to The Mayflower, Southampton. I immediately booked up some tickets for the morning show on Friday 25 October.

Coming to England is an inspirational story of hope, determination and triumph.

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.

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 musical is the perfect entertainment for the whole family.

We will travel to Southampton by coach, leaving school at 8.30am. The show is at 11.00am. Children won’t need to wear school uniform. The total cost of the trip is £30 per student and is offered to all pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6.

I’ll send out more information nearer the time but if you’d like to register your interest please email me on cwood@southill.dorset.sch.uk

Caroline