Retrograde at Apollo Theatre

Retrograde at Apollo Theatre | Theatre review

20^th March 2025

20 March 2025

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 production.

We are taken back to 1955, when 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; Sidney Poitier is forced to question his moral standpoint.

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. Ivanno Jeremiah reprises his role from the original run. The actor perfectly embodies his character – stance, facial expressions and voice inflection all on point. He is well supported by Stanley Townsend and Oliver Johnstone. The three complement each other beautifully, gifting us such intense drama. There are echoes of David Mamet here, yet Cameron retains a voice all his own.

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.