Maya Productions were pleased to present a work-in-progress performance of Benny and the Greycats at the Migration Matters Festival.
It’s 1964. The Anglo-Indian Connolly family of Trichinopoly, South India, are railway workers by day and by night play in Jazz bands at Railway institutes and Clubs.
As Independence takes root, the Anglo-Indians begin to lose privileges they enjoyed under the Empire and the Connollys are lured to the Motherland. But life in the industrial city of Sheffield isn’t the dream that they were promised. Benny, longs for home, older brother Marvin, is desperate to fit in, and Clarry, the youngest’s mental health begins to suffer.
Holding the family together is mother Mabel, balancing working for the first time, with caring for a sick husband. As the family tries to overcome their problems, will music provide the key to happiness?
You can watch the work-in-progress performance of scenes and songs from the piece here.
Audience Feedback
“I think it will be relevant to anyone with a migrant background.”
“Can’t wait for the full production!”
“I really enjoyed the story and the exploration of themes like colonialism, the British Empire and racism. I loved the reference to the NHS and the fact that immigrant communities did and still do contribute enormously.”
“Loved the lyrics – funny, clever, poignant and the music was a great mix of styles too.”
“Definitely would recommend and would go to the finished show.”