The world premiere of Coming To England was a poignant, emotive and immersive experience that should be shouted about from the roof tops - and shared with audiences around the world.

Bursting onto the stage with a production full of music, storytelling and humour, Coming To England is based on Floella Benjamin’s award-winning book of the same name, adapted for the stage by David Wood.

Much loved by children and families, the show tells Floella’s own story of emigrating to England as a child. Aged just 10, she and her siblings left Trinidad and sailed alone to join their parents. But her excitement for her new life was 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 - a young Floella overcame adversity and grew to become Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham (via a stint on a certain kids TV show, of course!).

First thing's first - the set was simple, but beautiful. As with the majority of productions at The Rep, this show was created by pure homegrown talent and that attention to detail showed.

Catapulting you from the sunny shores of Trinidad to the cold and dreary streets of London, it's fair to say that this isn't an all singing, all dancing musical with scenery flying in from every angle. However less is definitely more in this case with the brilliant use of colour changing clouds to dictate presence and mood a noteable stroke of genius.

Combine that with beautiful lighting and an incredibly strong ensemble cast of ten - and you’re in for a hair raising night.

Special mention does have to go to Paul Kay and her take on Floella, which was a simply outstanding performance. She was captivating and had the audience in tears during her rendition of Natalie Cole's Smile. Our lead received a commendation from Floella herself in her post-show speech which was, itself, recipient of the second standing ovation of the evening for a truly outstanding piece of theatre.

This is a show which doesn't shy away from reality. It would be so easy to simulate an environment with no attempt at the shock factor. However, whilst absolutely in moderation, the books attempts at a realistic portrayal sat just on the right side of uncomfortable for those in the audience. This piece needs to be real and raw, and it's both of those things in droves.

Floella Benjamin’s Coming to England plays at Birmingham Rep until Saturday 16th April. For more information, or to get your tickets, head online to birmingham-rep.co.uk.