FULL ENGLISH tells the story of the women of Canterbury Estate - white British girls from the 1960's who married Pakistani men & brought up mixed race children. Driven out by their families & shunned by their husband's community, they finally found a place where they could belong - on the Canterbury Estate, a place which embraced their difference and a place they could call home.
Told through the eyes of our Associate Artist, Bradford actor Natalie Davies, FULL ENGLISH explores the story of how her own grandmother overcame the odds to find her place here in Bradford & the legacy of growing up mixed race.
Because, let's face it, who is full English anyway?
"It's a big step for me, and a huge learning experience, but it's really exciting. Even though this is the story of my Nan, who lived on the Canterbury Estate where I grew up, it's also a story about identity and finding my own place. And it's vital that I understand this now, as my story will be the most important thing I can pass on to my daughter." Natalie Davies, Associate Artist
"FULL ENGLISH is a celebration - a collision of cultures, melding music, dance and story-telling to create a dynamic and exhilarating journey rooted in Bradford. Jude Wright of Bent Architect
It's not rose tinted. The women we are celebrating have faced challenges and prejudice head on, and had to watch their children - and grandchildren - do the same. But throughout that journey, they have loved and laughed, danced and dodged, and ultimately found their place and voice here, in Bradford on the Canterbury Estate - where else?"
Full English was performed at Kala Sangam in Braford to a sell-out audience from 23 to 27 June 2021.
The project is supported by a grant from Arts Council, England, a Make Work Grant from the Bradford Producing Hub together with support from Bradford Council & Kala Sangam.
We plan to tour the production in Spring 2022. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in booking the show.