Booking to 27 May 2023
★★★★ “Electrifying” – Evening Standard
From the writer of award-winning, sold-out For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, Ryan Calais Cameron brings his explosive new play Retrograde to the Kiln Theatre for its world premiere.
This compelling new play explores identity, resilience and integrity as it examines a true event in the Golden Age of 1950’s Hollywood and the reality of Black actor Sidney Poitier and his journey to stardom.
Directed by Amit Sharma (The Boy with Two Hearts, Then Barbara Met Alan), the play explores a moment in a career which paved ways and changed perceptions, cementing the legacy of a Hollywood icon.
Retrograde plays at the Kiln Theatre in London from 20 April to 27 May 2023.
What's the story of Retrograde?
The Golden Age of Hollywood.
Behind closed doors, aspiring actor Sidney Poitier is offered a lucrative contract that could make him a superstar. But what is he willing to sacrifice?
Who is in the cast of Retrograde?
The cast features Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations Donmar West End; The Convert, Measure for Measure, Young Vic) as Sidney, Ian Bonar (Death of a Salesman,Young Vic and West End;, Ma Vie en Rose, Young Vic) as Bobby and Daniel Lapaine (The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare’s Globe; Other Desert Cities, Hedda Gabler, The Old Vic) as Mr Parks.
Who are the creative team of Retrograde?
Written by Ryan Calais Cameron
Directed by Amit Sharma
Design by Frankie Bradshaw
Lighting Design by Amy Mae
Sound Design by Beth Duke
Casting Direction by Juliet Horsley CDG
Kiln-Mackintosh Resident Assistant Director – Jessica Mensah
Reviews of Retrograde
★★★★ "Ryan Calais Cameron’s portrait of Sidney Poitier is electrifying" - The Evening Standard★★★★ "Terrific new play" - Financial Times
★★★★ "Ryan Calais Cameron cements himself as one of theatre’s most thrilling voices" - The Independent
★★★★ "Ivanno Jeremiah is magnetic as Poitier" - The Stage
★★★★ "Ryan Calais Cameron cements himself as one of theatre’s most thrilling voices" - The Independent
★★★★ "Ryan Calais Cameron’s terrific three-hander" - The Guardian
★★★★ "Sharply skewers race and power in Hollywood’s Golden Age" - i News
Show Information
Matinees: Wednesday, Saturday
Performance information is for guidance only. Check booking calendar for details.
Show Photos
Venue Information
Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JRNearest Tube or Train: Kilburn (Jubilee line) / Brondesbury rail station
Nearest Buses: 16, 32, 189, 332, 632
Ticket Information
Official London Theatre tickets for Retrograde at the Kiln Theatre, London
Book tickets to Retrograde at the Kiln Theatre, London with WestendTheatre.com. You will be purchasing official London theatre tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.