Episode 1
Documentary following a family who give up their modern lives for one summer to experience what life was like for Caribbeans who immigrated to Britain in the postwar period.
A family give up their modern lives for one summer to experience what life was like for Caribbeans who immigrated to Britain in the postwar period.
Beginning in 1948, the year the Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury and discharged its passengers, the Irwin family travel through the 1950s and 60s, guided by presenter Giles Coren and social historian Emma Dabiri who introduce them to their new homes as well as the events of the time. Along the way the Irwins discover the food, work and entertainment of first-generation immigrants making their lives in Brixton.
In 1959, the whole family get a lesson in 1950s steel pan from EastEnders star Rudolph Walker, and in 1962, dad Weininger gets some fashion tips from 60s singer Kenny Lynch. In 1966, mum Janice embraces her role as a nurse at a time when the NHS recruited directly in the West Indies for staff.
As the family's living situation improves over the years, they decide to see the 60s out with a blues party.
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Music Played
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Horace Andy
Skylarking
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The Jamaican Calypsonians
Mango Walk / Give Me Back Me Shilling / Mr Parney / Sweetie Charlie
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Sound Dimension
Drum Song
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The Jamaican Calypsonians
Mary's Lamb / The More We Are Together
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Hubert Porter & The Tower Islanders
Hold 'Im Joe
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Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five
Ration Blues
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Count Owen & His Calypsonians
Take Her To Jamaica
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Lord Kitchener
London Is The Place For Me
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Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five
Reet, Petite and Gone
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Lord Kitchener
Sweet Jamaica
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Lord Kitchener
Saxophone no 2
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The Platters
Shake It Up Mambo
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Harold Richardson and The Ticklers
Parish Gal
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The Jaynetts
I Wanted To Be Free
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Elmore James
Dust My Broom
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Elmore James
She Just Won't Do Right
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Count Lasher & His Calypsonians
Calypso Cha Cha Cha
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Bo Diddley
Roadrunner
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Andy Capp
Pop A Top
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The Coasters
Wake Me, Shake Me
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The Duke Reid Band
Strolling In
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The Wailers
Simmer Down
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John Barry
Twist It
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Sam Cooke
A Change Is Gonna Come
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Jimmy Cliff
Miss Jamaica
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Thomas McCook & The Skatalites
Silver Dollar聽
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Eric 鈥淢onty鈥� Morris
Penny Reel
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Giles Coren |
| Presenter | Emma Dabiri |
| Participant | Kenny Lynch |
| Participant | Rudolph Walker |
| Participant | Paul Stephenson |
| Participant | Donald Hinds |
| Executive Producer | Emma Hindley |
| Series Producer | Nancy Bornat |
| Director | Geoff Small |
| Producer | Carl Callam |
Broadcasts
Featured in...
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Black & British
A collection of programmes exploring Black British narratives.
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Black & British
Documentaries exploring experiences of being black and British.
Back in Time...
Families travel back in time to experience how food, leisure and society has transformed.