Forgotten Heroes’ - Honouring Legacy in Bristol

There’s nothing quite like being welcomed with a warm cup of tea and an even warmer smile. That’s exactly how my visit began when I stepped into acta Theatre in Bristol to sit in on the final rehearsal of Forgotten Heroes, a powerful new production co-created by the Royal British Legion, acta Bristol and the wonderful Malcolm X Elders.

From the very first moment, there was a sense of family in the room. Rosalie Pordes, the Project Director, greeted me like an old friend, and before long I found myself sitting among a group of women who laughed, joked and teased one another like sisters who’ve seen a lifetime of seasons together. And in many ways, they have.

These ladies have called Bristol home for decades, some for more than 60 years. They’ve raised children, built community, fought injustice and created spaces of belonging. Now, in Forgotten Heroes, they are stepping into stories that are both deeply personal and collectively powerful.

The play follows young Caribbean volunteers during the Second World War, exploring their decision to enlist, their experiences of service, and the difficult return to a country that didn’t always welcome them. These stories have been too long forgotten. But as the cast told me, the more they rehearsed, the more they began to recognise their own experiences in the characters.

Although many of the actors usually perform autobiographical material, stepping into someone else’s shoes came naturally. One actress performed with incredible passion and energy, even while dealing with real physical pain. A true professional whose strength quietly honoured the story she was telling.

Rosalie shared with me, "I believe this work is so important because it tells a part of history that's often ignored — the role Caribbean men played in World War II and the sacrifices they made. To have these stories performed by African Caribbean elders, some of whom are family or grew up in the same communities, makes it far more personal and powerful to the audience. Through this project we believe it has been a way to honour the legacy of these heroes, keep their stories alive, and remind people that Caribbean lives have always been part of Britain's story."

Forgotten Heroes’ doesn’t just tell untold stories — it challenges us to rethink who we remember and why. This show is a powerful call to action: to honour the sacrifices of those from African, Caribbean, and Commonwealth backgrounds whose bravery has been ignored for too long. If we are serious about Remembrance being for everyone, then these stories must take centre stage — not just today, but always.” - Farrah Chandra-Wade, Community Engagement Officer, Royal British Legion

What struck me most was how joy and humour were never far from the surface. The performance is moving and rich with emotion, yes, but it’s also hilarious at times and deeply heartwarming. Ingrid Jones, the director, did an amazing job with the show. During a short break, the cast sat around a table, sharing stories, laughing, bickering lovingly and offering me snacks like I was one of their own. I didn’t feel like a guest. I felt like family.

And that, to me, is the very heart of Windrush. It’s legacy and love. It’s sacrifice and celebration. It’s humour in hardship and community in the face of exclusion. It’s the deep roots planted in places like Bristol that have grown into something beautiful, resilient and generous.

Forgotten Heroes is a vital piece of theatre, but it’s more than a show. It’s a tribute. It’s an invitation to remember. And for me, it was a privilege to sit in the audience, sip tea with the cast and witness their magic.