Every once in a while you see a piece of theatre that you know will stay with you forever. Last night was one of those occasions.  Small Island is the sublime telling of the lives of two very different couples, one white, one black, in London during World War 2 and its aftermath. It examines the racism that black people faced when they accepted the invitation to make a new life in Britain, and also the plight of women trying to hold everything together the best that they can, trying to navigate their way through a new world in wartime and beyond.

The story follows the lives of two couples, Queenie and Bernard, a mismatched pair thrown together by one set of circumstances, and the Jamaican couple Hortense and Gilbert, who are thrown together by another. We follow their lives before they meet – Queenie working in the sweet shop where she met Bernard, Hortense growing up with her charismatic cousin Michael, and Gilbert, joining the RAF and coming to England, where by chance he meets Queenie in Lincolnshire. These diverse threads all become conjoined after the war ends, in Queenie and Bernard’s London home, where to make ends meet, Queenie takes in ‘coloured’ lodgers, much to the disgust of her neighbours. The story of what happens in that house, and what led to that point, is completely enthralling, a spellbinding piece of theatre.

The cast is flawless, the leads, Bronte Barbe, Mark Arends, Anna Chrichlow and Daniel Ward are all astounding in their roles, creating unforgettable characters that feel raw and real. The supporting cast are equally good, from Paul Hawkyard as the tragic Arthur, to Rhys Stephenson as the beautiful, charming Michael. The cast has a real charisma, delivering lines with ease that can turn from the truly hilarious, to devastating, within the same scene. It is a real tour de force from the perfect ensemble.

The script delivers on every level. At times it is hilarious, with snappy one liners coming thick and fast. But this is a serious topic, and it can switch to become brutal in its depictions of racism and prejudice. It is never less than powerful, and the final scene will remain etched in the memory for a long long time.

Feeling as timely as ever, Small Island packs a big punch with its sheer brilliance.

SMALL ISLAND

Sat 4 Apr–Sat 18 Apr 2026

Rep Theatre Birmingham

Click here for ticket information

Sharing is caring!