Small Island embarks on a journey from Jamaica to Britain, through the Second World War to 1948 – the year the HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury.
The play follows three intricately connected stories. Hortense yearns for a new life away from rural Jamaica, Gilbert dreams of becoming a lawyer, and Queenie longs to escape her Lincolnshire roots. Hope and humanity meet stubborn reality as the play traces the tangled history of Jamaica and the UK.
A company of 40 actors take to the stage of the National Theatre in this timely and moving story.
Relaxed screenings are specially tailored for film fans who may be on the autistic spectrum, have Tourette Syndrome, anxiety, sensory difficulties or other learning disabilities.
The cinema environment is tailored to the needs of the audience by having the lights dimmed, though not off, and the volume levels a little lower than usual. Attendees are free to sit in whichever seat they like and can enter and exit the room at any time, with easy access for any wheelchair users. Attendees are free to make noise in these screenings. Staff are trained and ready to assist with any help the audience may need during these trips to the cinema at Barbican.
A visual guide to our cinemas is available to download here.
