RABBLE Theatre are commemorating 50 years since the arrival of 1,600 Ugandan Asians to Greenham Common, Berkshire, this month. The Newcomers is a new radio play produced in collaboration with BBC Radio Berkshire.
“Although my mother and four sisters left Uganda with me before the horrific events depicted in this brilliant play, I still have vivid memories of my family home in Lugazi. It is a special place held very dear to me and I am so pleased that RABBLE have chosen to commemorate the events and the brave people who were affected. It’s a special project that I’m delighted to be a part of.” Bhasker Patel (Rishi Sharma in Emmerdale), who plays Mansukh.
The Newcomers follows the story of the Patel’s, a hard working family of integrity, split from their father, evicted from their Ugandan home and rushed to Greenham. They arrive with nothing but a suitcase each and £50, forced to start over, amidst mixed reaction from the local population.
Told through the eyes of 15yr old Jyoti, The Newcomers is a tale of cruelty, bravery, resilience and hope.
The Newcomers is written by Beth Flintoff (RABBLE Theatre’s associate writer) and Pragna Hay, whose story the play is based upon.
Pragna arrived in the UK from Uganda as a refugee in 1972, staying at Greenham Common refugee camp. She lives in Newbury, Berkshire and, like many of her Ugandan Asian contemporaries, has an entrepreneurial spirt, running multiple businesses, qualifying as a microbiologist and serving as a board member of various companies. She established Uprooted 50 Years ago to organise exhibitions and events that commemorate 50 years since the expulsion.
Pragna co-wrote The Newcomers with Beth Flintoff (http://bethflintoff.com), RABBLE’s associate writer, who also lives locally and is deeply passionate about the story.
The play is directed by Duncan McLarty, editor of BBC Radio Berkshire.
“We are absolutely delighted to be developing this important project. The contributions that the Ugandan Asian community have made to UK life are as amazing as their story is. It’s a privilege to be involved.” Dani Davies, RABBLE Executive Director
The full cast is: Nikki Patel – Jyoti, Shaheen Khan – Shanta, Bhasker Patel – Mansukh, Maanuv Thiara – Suraj, Jammy Kasongo – Joseph, Dani McCallum – Mrs White, Emma Boyd – Fran, André Valente – The Guard, Toby W Davies – Brigadier Beyts, and Robyn Cowieson – Cassie
The Newcomers will broadcast daily at 09:50 from Monday 24/10/22, concluding on Friday 28/10/22. A full 1hr omnibus edition will be aired on Sunday 30/10/22 at 14:00
