Retrograde Tickets

Fresh off its sell-out run at Kiln Theatre, the moving drama Retrograde, based on the true story of young Sidney Poitier 10 years before becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar Award for Best Actor, comes to Apollo Theatre. Book Retrograde tickets on London Theatre.

Retrograde is a play by Olivier award-nominated playwright Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy). This show, set in 1950s Hollywood, transports audiences to a time in American history when the civil rights movement and McCarthyism intersected, creating racist paranoia.

The play tells of young Sidney Poitier, who goes to the office of NBC lawyer Mr. Parks, believing he is signing a contract to launch his big break. However, he is instead questioned on his affiliation with Martin Luther King and other political activists. He is given an ultimatum—sign an oath of loyalty to America and denounce the actor, activist, and singer Paul Robeson, whom he admires, or he will be blacklisted and won't get the part he's dreamed of.

Retrograde in London stars Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations) as Sidney Poitier, Stanley Townsend (Netflix's Kaos) as Mr. Parks, and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone) as Bobby. The trio are reprising their roles from the critically acclaimed run at Kiln Theatre.

The talented creative team includes direction by Kiln Theatre's Artistic Director Amit Sharma, design by Frankie Bradshaw (Ballet Shoes), lighting by Amy Mae (The Frogs), and sound by Beth Duke (The Importance of Being Earnest).

A 4-star review from London Theatre said of Bradshaw's design, "Bradshaw provides an effective retro office set for Amit Sharma's taut production, complete with an Abbott and Costello poster and a starburst clock — whose ticking fills those tense silent passages where time is running out for Sidney to decide."