Nica Burns has announced the West End transfer of the Kiln Theatre’s acclaimed production of Retrograde by Ryan Calais Cameron (For Black Boys…) starring Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations, Donmar West End; Humans, Channel 4) who reprises the role of Hollywood icon Sidney Poitier. Joining him as his protagonist Mr Parks is Stanley Townsend (Kaos, Netflix; The Normal Heart, National Theatre) and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; All My Sons, The Old Vic) as writer Bobby. The production, directed by the Kiln Theatre’s Artistic Director Amit Sharma, begins performances at the Apollo Theatre for a strictly limited run playing from 8 March until 14 June 2025.
Sidney Poitier: outstanding actor, trail blazer, activist, icon. The first black artist to win an Oscar for Best Actor.
Ryan Calais Cameron’s gripping thriller captures the moment when a young Sidney Poitier is about to sign a career-defining Hollywood contract that could make him a star. But there’s a catch. Will he put his career before his principles? In a time of betrayals, will he name names? Will he sign his life away?
Retrograde follows Ryan’s smash West End hit For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy – so good it sold out twice – first at the Apollo in 2023, returning swiftly by public demand to the Garrick in 2024.
Ryan Calais Cameron said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to see Retrograde take its next step onto the West End stage. This play holds a deeply personal resonance for me as a writer. Sidney Poitier’s journey — his courage, conviction, and the weight of the choices he faced — is not just his story; it’s a reflection of the challenges and dilemmas many of us still navigate today. I can’t wait for audiences at the Apollo Theatre to join us in this moment of reflection, urgency, and ultimately, celebration.”
Ivanno Jeremiah said, “It’s an honour to share this work in the West End at the Apollo Theatre, paying tribute to the Titans of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Ryan Calais Cameron’s imaginative portrayal of the 1950s, based on real events, ignites intelligent debate, questioning morality, ambition, and integrity amidst wealth—from a 1955 NBC corner office to today’s world. It challenges us to consider the limits we may not cross.”
Amit Sharma said, “I’m incredibly proud that Retrograde transfers from a sold-out run at Kiln Theatre to the West End’s Apollo Theatre. When I first read Ryan Calais Cameron’s vital new play, I knew its themes were as relevant today as the era in which the play is set; centring around the iconic Sidney Poitier and the Golden Age of Hollywood, it’s a tale full of twists and turns. A magnificent and essential story that audiences will now have another opportunity to experience.”
Nica Burns said, “When I saw Retrograde at Kiln Theatre I was gripped for 90 thrilling minutes. Full of twists and turns, the whole audience sat on the edge of their seats until the very last moment. This is a wonderfully exciting evening inspired by true events. In only three years and with two plays, Ryan Calais Cameron has swiftly become a significant West End playwright who has also introduced new audiences to the theatre. An extraordinary achievement.”
Joining director Amit Sharma are Frankie Bradshaw (Set and Costume Designer), Amy Mae (Lighting Designer), Beth Duke (Sound Designer) and Juliet Horsley CDG (Casting Director).
RELATED LINKS
Retrograde by Ryan Calais Cameron
Kiln Theatre announces the world premiere of Ryan Calais Cameron’s Retrograde
