Banner completed its touring of “They get free mobiles . . . don’t they?” in December 2008, following a successful visit to the Bergen International Festival in Norway in October, a tour of schools in County Durham in November, sponsored by Unison, and 87 performances in total.
The show combined theatre, live music and song with video interviews and archive film to tell the stories of some of Britain’s newest arrivals, featuring Nellie from Zimbabwe, Michael from the Congo and Sherzad from Kurdistan. Using musical styles from rock, rap and reggae to blues, folk and jazz “They get free mobiles…don’t they?” highlighted the human stories of people who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and challenged the myths, lies and prejudice surrounding the search for sanctuary in the United Kingdom.
An excellent performance which conveyed a powerful message effectively and with great humanity. Thanks! – University of Northampton Equalities Officer
Excellent performance. Brilliant script. Content well researched and delivered.
Congratulations to all involved – Assistant Manager, Volunteer Centre
I thought the show was fantastic. It would do well in schools and bigger theatres.
Very powerful and moving – Retired Teacher
The show received funding from Arts Council England, the Baring Foundation, Birmingham City Council, the William A Cadbury Trust, the Fire Brigades Union, Lloyds TSB Foundation, the Professional Footballers Association, the PRS Foundation, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association and the Woodward Charitable Trust.