Romario Simpson in The Lonely Londoners [Steve Gregson]

IN Roy Williams’ striking adaptation of Sam Selvon’s seminal 1956 novel, The Lonely Londoners, we follow the fortunes of various Windrush migrants who’ve come to London seeking a prosperous future.

New arrivals gravitate towards Trinidadian Moses Aloetta (Solomon Israel) a veteran émigré who tries to prepare them for London life.

After more than 10 years, Moses has still not achieved what he wanted and continues to mourn the loss of his beloved Christina (Aimee Powell), who he left behind.

The men are exploited by slum landlords and have to endure the cold and relentless prejudice, while being offered the worst jobs. When unemployed they live hand to mouth, reduced to eating pigeons.

Lewis (Tobi Bakare) invites his wife Agnes (Shannon Hayes) and mother Tanty (Carol Moses) to join him and they make the best of their circumstances. But without work, Lewis becomes increasingly depressed and ends up lashing out at Agnes.

Big City (Gilbert Kyem Jnr) acquires a gun and contemplates joining a post office heist to make money while Henry “Sir Galahad” Oliver (Romario Simpson), arriving from Trinidad with just his pyjamas and a toothbrush, is determined to remain hopeful. Instead, Galahad’s carefree demeanour earns him a racist beating.

These lonely men come together to banter, share stories, commiserate about their attempts to find work and offer each other support. The sense of community they nurture helps them to survive

The cast is superb. Ebenezer Bamgboye’s evocative production blends realism, Nevena Stojkov’s stylised movement and music to terrific effect.

until February 22
kilntheatre.com/