Retrograde at Apollo Theatre

Ryan Calais Cameron made waves with his impactful For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy. With Retrograde, which enjoyed a fruitful run at the Kiln, the writer opts for a more nuanced, naturalistic production.

We are taken back to 1955, where a young black actor meets with Hollywood heavies. Offered a contract on the condition he signs an oath denouncing the civil rights movement he has championed; trailblazing star Sidney Poitier is forced to question his moral standpoint. On the cusp of stardom, will he jeopardise his beliefs and values to succeed?

Whereas For Black Boys sparked a fire, Retrograde is more a slow-burn, smouldering affair. Thoughts and feelings permeate with silences evoking emotion. Director Amit Sharma allows his actors to shine but also acknowledges when we need to sit back and absorb what we are presented with. Racism of the 50s unfortunately still lingers today, especially in the entertainment world.

We really root for Sidney but also feel his deep hurt. Holding his silence, Ivanno Jeremiah conveys his hurt with even the flicker of a facial expression. Unleashing his true feelings during the play’s climax, however, one experiences catharsis as he proves his naysayers wrong.

Jeremiah reprises his role from the original run. The actor perfectly embodies his character – stance and voice inflexion are both on point. He is well supported by Stanley Townsend and Oliver Johnstone, although the two have slightly less to work with. As scriptwriter Bobby, Johnstone captures the energy of someone eager to make their big break. Townsend as Mr Parks is the racist lawyer reluctant to see change and progression.

The three complement each other beautifully, gifting us such brooding, intense drama. There are echoes of David Mamet here with the sharp, snappy dialogue, yet Cameron retains a voice all his own. With two West End transfers in the last three years, he proves himself to be one of the most exciting new writers London has to offer.

Engaging and enlightening, it’s a joy to see such work in the West End.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Marc Brenner

Retrograde is at Apollo Theatre from 8^th March until 14^th June 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Retrograde at Apollo Theatre here: