Sir Lenny Henry has written a new drama inspired by his mother’s stories about leaving Jamaica for the UK in the 1950s.
Sir Lenny Henry
The upcoming fictional ITV series 'Three Little Birds' - which has seen the 62-year-old star collaborate with Russell T Davies, who serves as executive producer - will explore the adventures of gregarious sisters Leah and Chantrelle, who hail from St Anne’s district, and their bible-loving acquaintance Hosanna as they board a cruise ship heading for a new life in Britain.
In a statement, Lenny said: “My mother spoke often about how difficult life was back in the day when she first arrived in Britain to begin her new life.
"The stories she told and indeed the narratives my brothers and sisters beguiled me with over the dinner table made me think about writing a fictional account of three Caribbean women; all with differing yet complementary attributes - a serious tenacious one, a quick witted flibbertigibbet and a Christian prude.
"They all get to the UK with one thing on their minds - a new life."
Lenny will also executive produce the series through his company Douglas Road Productions, alongside Tiger Aspect Productions.
He added: "Although these are fictional accounts, my mother’s narrative will run throughout these stories and hopefully, the stories of other post Windrush arrivals will trigger memories, smiles and tears too.
"It is my privilege to work with Russell T. Davies and Tiger Aspect on these stories. For me, a life-long dream has come true.
"This series will be a tribute to the giants who came before us and walked cold streets to create new lives for themselves.”
Polly Hill - ITV's head of drama - commented:
“I fell in love with Leah, Chantrelle and Hosanna the moment I read Lenny’s script and I think the audience will want to go on their journey with them.
"Lenny has written a funny and moving, but most of all life affirming drama, that is a tribute to his mother and all those who came to Britain and made it their home.”
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