Once On this Island

Kenny produced this magical musical while on the staff at Imagination. The Production was initially mounted at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1994 and transferred to London’s Peacock Theatre (then called the Royalty) later that year. It won the 1995 Olivier Award for ‘Best New Musical’.  

Once on this Island tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl, who rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune's life. When she pursues Daniel, who has returned to his people, Ti Moune is shunned because of her lowly status. Her determination and capacity to love, though, is not enough to win Daniel's heart, and Ti Moune pays the ultimate price; but the gods turn Ti Moune into a tree that grows so strong and so tall, it breaks the wall that separates the societies and ultimately unites them.

The 1994 production was co-directed by Gwenda Hughes and David Toguri and choreographed by David Toguri. The cast included Lora Brown, Sharon D Clarke, Clive Rowe, PP Arnold, Shezwe Powell, Johnny Worthy, Trevor Michael Georges, Mark Vincent and Anthony Corriette.  

As well as receiving the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, the production also received nominations in the categories of Best Director, Best Choreographer and Best Supporting Actor.