Lenny Henry’s playwriting debut explores Windrush

Photos: Helen Murray

Bush Theatre: Lenny Henry stars in his playwriting debut exploring a life impacted by the Windrush scandal.

‘You never allow me tell my story. I been trying to tell it someone and nobody listenin’

Charming, flawed, and with the gift of the gab, we all know a man like August Henderson. Between his three kids, devoted wife-to-be, and part-ownership of a fruit and veg shop, he is proud of the life he has built since landing in his beloved West Bromwich.

So, when faced with deportation to a country he has no memory of, he isn’t prepared to go quietly. Listen up, he is ready to tell his own story.

Poignant and hilarious in equal measure, August in England gives insight into the lives impacted by the injustice of the Windrush scandal.

Written and performed by Lenny Henry in his playwriting debut, the celebrated actor and comedian brings his vast talents onto the stage in this intimate one-man show. Co-directed by the Bush Artistic Director, Lynette Linton (Sweat, House of Ife), and Associate Artistic Director, Daniel Bailey (Red Pitch, The High Table), August in England makes its world premiere in April 2023

* Windrush 75

Windrush 75 is the national network set up to bring together organisations to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Windrush arrival on UK shores.  The HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury docks, Essex, in 1948, bringing 500 passengers from the Caribbean - and the 75th anniversary this year is described as a ‘Diamond Jubilee for modern, diverse Britain’.

It will be helping to amplify the voices of those working at grassroots and national level, raising awareness of activity taking place all over the UK to celebrate the anniversary throughout 2023. Working with charity British Future – thinktank experts on integration, immigration, race and identity – it will also help contextualise and explain why Windrush 75 matters to our discussions about modern Britain today. 

 #Windrush75