The Big Life review – big-hearted Windrush musical returns with irrepressible verve

Theatre Royal Stratford East, London
This feted battle of the sexes comedy follows defiantly upbeat Caribbean characters making a life in postwar Britain

This irrepressible ska musical, transposing battle of the sexes comedy from Love’s Labour’s Lost to Windrush-era Britain, first burst on to this theatre’s stage 20 years ago to great acclaim and a West End transfer.

Paul Sirett and Tameka Empson’s show returns with incredibly infectious songs, ebullient spirit and stunning performances, surfing on its comic charms even when the story seems to slow and then run out of steam.