Matthew Kelly, Ansu Khabia

Based on E R Braithwaite's autobiography and brilliantly adapted by Ayub Khan-Din (East is East) To Sir, With Love tells the story of Ricky Braithwaite, a Cambridge graduate and ex- RAF fighter pilot arriving in London in 1948 and discovering what it means to be black in post-war England.

Turned down for job after job in his chosen profession as an electronic engineer, Ricky begins his first teaching post, the only job he can get, in a tough but progressive East End school.

Supported by an enlightened headmaster, the determined teacher turns teenage rebelliousness into self respect, contempt into consideration and hate into love - and on the way, Ricky himself learns that he has more in common with his students than he had realised.

Made into a major film in 1967 starring Sidney Poitier and featuring a song made famous by Lulu, this new stage adaptation is peppered with the songs and dance of the late 40s; a time of austerity like our own where love, inspiration and hope win through against all the odds.