Pulsating with the rhythmic energies of blues, reggae, and boxing, On the Ropes is an uplifting musical drama telling the extraordinary story of Vernon Vanriel who arrived in Britain aged 6 with his family as part of the Windrush Generation, and rose to prominence as one of the most charismatic and influential Black British boxers of the 70s and 80s.
In 2005, having lived in North London for over 40 years, Vernon found himself trapped in Jamaica, and in a bare-knuckle fight for his right to citizenship with the British Home Office.
In an energetic fusion of live music, humour, poetry, and the duck and weave of the boxing ring, On the Ropes is a celebration of Vernon – aka The Entertainer – and, ultimately, of how courage, dignity, and a fighting spirit can triumph over prejudice and injustice.
Directed by Anastasia Osei-Kuffour
