RUSH A Joyous Jamaican Journey

The Rush Theatre Company presents:

RUSH A Joyous Jamaican Journey

The Lowry, Salford

1st & 2nd February 2023

In 1948, hundreds of people from the Caribbean boarded the Empire Windrush and travelled to Tilbury Docks in Essex. With them they brought an explosion of dance, art, writing and music which would transform British culture.

After WWII, large parts of Britain were in desperate need of rebuilding, so the UK actively invited immigration from Commonwealth nations. There was no shortage of jobs in industries such as National Rail, the NHS and public transport.

The show takes the audience on a journey covering the history of Jamaica, slavery and the Commonwealth through to the racism faced by the ‘Windrush Generation’ when they arrived in what they believed to be their Motherland.

The show features ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock and reggae and the music of Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, Prince Buster, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Millie Small and many more.

‘The pervasive theme of the evening for me was the rhythm which permeated every song, energised the audience and left people with a feel good factor.’ Richard Evans Review Feb 9 2020.

Available for Interview:

Orvil Pinnock, Musical Director and Lead Guitar

With over 20 years experience of live performances with bands, studio sessions, church choirs, etc Ollie’s influences include George Benson, Paul Jackson JR and Frank Gambale, to name a few. His parents were part of the Windrush Generation so he is proud to be part of a show that draws attention to their contribution to British Society. Available for interview.

Janice Williamson, Lead Vocals

Singing since being encouraged, at a tender age, to take part in school plays, Janice honed her craft as a member of various groups, starting with ‘The Mystics’ – reggae, ‘Amber’ – soul-funk and as a founding member of the a capella group ‘Black Voices. Performing as a solo Gospel and Jazz artist has also given Janice opportunities to sing in prestigious venues, such as Birmingham’s Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Symphony Hall, Town Hall and at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and has performed all across the UK and overseas in Germany, America, France, Holland and Belgium.