The Gift at the Theatre Royal Stratford East

An outrageously quirky comedy about imperialism, cultural appropriation and tea drinking.

Brighton, 1852. Sarah, an African girl adopted by Her Royal Highness Queen Victoria and brought up alongside royalty. After perfecting tea etiquette, Sarah is due to return to Africa. Will Sarah do as she’s told?

The Present. Sarah, a well-heeled middle-class black woman who lives with her husband and child in Cheshire. Their inquisitive white neighbours unexpectedly pay them a visit, armed with gluten-free muffins and some probing questions.