Blog

Merlina Pearl: A Windrush Journey Takes Centre Stage in Leeds

Theatre
Written by
2Chic Events Management
Image from the Merlina Pearl Flyer / The official flyer for Merlina Pearl: A Windrush Journey — a family friendly musical that blends music, theatre, and real-life history to honour the Windrush generation. Leeds audiences will be the first to witness its powerful debut before it tours the UK. /Credit: Design by 2Chic Events Management
Image from the Merlina Pearl Flyer / This family friendly musical blends music, theatre, and real-life history to honour the Windrush generation. Premiering in Leeds in May 2025.
You may also like
You may also like

2Chic Event Management is bringing the powerful musical “Merlina Pearl: A Windrush Journey” on a much-anticipated tour across the UK, opening in Leeds in May.

This poignant production will take audiences on a heartfelt journey through the experiences of Merlina, a remarkable woman who travelled on the HMT Windrush Ship in 1948. 

The show opens in Leeds with three performances: Saturday 10th May (2:30pm & 7pm) at Northern School of Contemporary Dance and Sunday 18th May (7pm) at Riley Smith Theatre. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it was really like for those first-generation pioneers who arrived in Britain with dreams and suitcases, Merlina Pearl offers a moving and vivid lens into that experience.

Jannette Machete Barrett — also known as Lyricist B — takes centre stage as the writer, director, producer, and lead in Merlina Pearl: A Windrush Journey. As a lyrical storyteller she breathes life into this powerful production. / Image Credit: Janette Machete Barrett
Jannette Machete Barrett, AKA Lyricist B, takes centre stage as the writer, director, producer, and lead in Merlina Pearl: A Windrush Journey. As a lyrical storyteller she breathes life into this powerful production. Credit: Janette Machete Barrett

A Story of Strength and Resilience
“Merlina Pearl” is based on the true story of a woman who faced the challenges of immigration, identity, and belonging. In her last two years, she was cared for by Jannette Machete Barrett, the writer of this production. Jannette discovered profound similarities in their upbringings, as both of their fathers were born in the early 1900s.

With Merlina’s blessing, Jannette shines a light on her story under the name “Merlina,” creating a powerful, educational narrative that resonates with audiences. 

The musical recounts Merlina’s journey aboard the HMT Windrush, the friendships she formed, and the struggles she faced upon arriving in England—lovingly referred to as “The Mother Country.” Through her experiences, we explore the complexities of migration and the emotional toll it can take on individuals and families.

A Unique Approach to Healing Through Music
What makes “Merlina Pearl” particularly special is the therapeutic approach Jannette employed to help Merlina confront her past. As a retired psychiatric nurse, Jannette recognised that some of Merlina’s memories were deeply triggering. To assist her in processing these experiences, Jannette transformed those poignant moments into songs, allowing Merlina to revisit her past in a safe and creative way. This innovative method not only helped Merlina find relief but also gave birth to the musical that now captivates audiences.

Behind the scenes during rehearsals: meet Harold, Bertie, Winston, Alvina, Merlina, and Missionary Clara — just some of the vibrant characters bringing this untold Windrush story to life on stage. / Credit: Rehearsal photography provided by Writer/Director Jannette Machete Barrett
Behind the scenes during rehearsals: meet Harold, Bertie, Winston, Alvina, Merlina, and Missionary Clara — just some of the vibrant characters bringing this story to life on stage. / Credit: Jannette Machete Barrett

Join Us on This Inspiring Journey
We invite you to be part of this incredible journey as “Merlina Pearl: A Windrush Journey” takes the stage. Each performance promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, filled with laughter, tears, and ultimately, hope.

What makes this tour special is the management team behind it. Delivered by 2Chic Events Management, this UK tour has been lovingly nurtured with a community-first mindset. Following its Leeds debut, the production will travel to audiences in Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, and London. We’ve invited local creatives, emerging performers, and even school partnerships to get involved in what’s shaping up to be more than a musical — it’s a moment of remembrance, resistance, and reconnection. And we can’t wait for you to be part of it.

Tickets are available now and selling fast. Find out more here.
Or follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes action: https://www.instagram.com/2chic.eventsmanagement

Let’s celebrate the strength of the human spirit together!