Retrograde
Closed 1h 40m
Retrograde
83%
83%
(9 Ratings)
Positive
100%
Mixed
0%
Negative
0%
Members say
Absorbing, Resonant, Thought-provoking, Clever, Ambitious

About the Show

Ryan Calais Cameron’s new play examining Hollywood in the 1950s and Sidney Poitier's journey to stardom.

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Critic Reviews (10)

The Independent (UK)
April 27th, 2023

“Cameron has captured a rarely told narrative and brought it to the stage. Long may he continue to do so.”
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Time Out London
April 27th, 2023

“ ‘Retrograde’ may well end up being a stonking hit. I don’t think it will be regarded as Cameron’s masterpiece. But it effortlessly seals his reputation as a major talent.”
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The Telegraph (UK)
April 27th, 2023

“Bringing to life an under-explored episode in the early career of Sidney Poitier, Ryan Calais Cameron’s ‘Retrograde’ is the finest new play about a pivotal, still pertinent, moment in civil rights history”
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The London Evening Standard
April 27th, 2023

“Kudos to director Amit Sharma for capturing the pace and pulse of the writing. And to Jeremiah, who is physically unlike Poitier, but captures the essence of his rangy grace, clipped diction and fiery stare.”
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The Times (UK)
April 27th, 2023

“Ivanno Jeremiah gives us a rangy, self-confident Poitier with a ready smile and the colourful dress sense of a jazz musician...Amit Sharma’s direction isn’t always subtle — there’s an overtone of melodrama at times.”
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All That Dazzles (UK)
April 26th, 2023

“As Sidney Poitier, Ivanno Jeremiah is sensational. No matter how aware you are of Sidney as a person, you truly believe Ivanno becomes him in an authentic portrayal which is consistently impressive to witness.”
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London Theatre
April 27th, 2023

“ ‘Retrograde’ dramatises a fascinating, little-known piece of history concerning the trailblazing African-American actor Sidney Poitier...[the piece] encapsulates Cameron’s provocative ideas around the intersection of politics, culture, and race, in a blistering piece that finds plenty of contemporary parallels in a potent historical tale.”
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The Guardian (UK)
April 27th, 2023

“Ryan Calais Cameron’s writing is sabre-sharp, every demotic and period inflection perfected, every threat hewn and glimmering with intelligence. “
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