One thing I love to see on stage is black joy, whether it’s the joy radiating from the actors or the smiles lighting up the faces of audience members in the auditorium. It always brings a smile to my face, and that’s exactly what I experienced while watching RED PITCH.
Set in a South London estate with a communal football pitch at its heart, three friends: Bilal (Kedar Williams-Stirling), Joey (Emeka Sesay), and Omz (Francis Lovehall) link up daily on the RED PITCH. They don’t just come to play football; it’s also a place to unload, share laughs, discuss girls, and chase their dreams. In many ways, Red Pitch serves as their therapist.
As these teenage boys regularly practice football, they can’t ignore the gradual changes of their neighbourhood. The familiar Morley’s has turned into a Costa, and local shops are being replaced by big chains. Gentrification is encroaching on their homes, sparking frustration. Joey reveals that his parents are moving away, and Bilal’s family is facing a similar fate. Omz, however, refuses to acknowledge the changes, holding onto hope that the council will relocate him, his brother, and his elderly grandfather to a modern ground floor flat.
Though gentrification looms large over their discussions on the Red Pitch, there are other pressing matters at hand: trials for a Premier League football team and, of course, girls. The boys must juggle daily training to catch the eye of scouts while impressing girls at parties, all while witnessing their homes vanish before their eyes.
RED PITCH reveals the highs and lows of life, sparing no detail. From the thrill of dancing at a house party to the heartache of uncertainty, there’s something for everyone to connect with in this play.
There are many things I loved about this play. It’s beautifully written by Tyrell Williams and skillfully directed by Daniel Bailey. Although I didn’t catch it at the Bush Theatre where it premiered, I’m glad it’s now at Soho Place, a perfect venue for it.
The set design by Amelia Jane Hankin is simple yet perfect. It’s a pitch without any unnecessary frills, just what you’d expect for a community football pitch. It also transitions smoothly between different locations without needing any adjustments. Ali Hunter’s lighting work is fantastic, adding depth and character to each scene, bringing them to life.
One of the scenes I absolutely loved was the house party scene, where Joey, Bilal, and Omz dance. The incredible music by Khalil Madovi brilliantly complements the lighting, acting, and movement – just perfect. It was infectious to see their energy build up, and the entire auditorium seemed to reflect their excitement. It was truly amazing! Movement director Gabrielle Nimo did an excellent job of bringing that scene to life with her choreography.
All three actors were outstanding and believable. I loved their natural interactions, which made their friendship feel effortless. I genuinely felt their emotions and understood their individual frustrations. They’re all exceptionally talented actors and really elevated the play with their performances. On a side note, their football skills were impressive—I would’ve lost control of the ball on stage within the first five minutes!
RED PITCH is such a joyous play. It tells a story about our community and touches on real-life issues, shows how important friendship is, and what life pressures can do to your character. It’s a play that everyone will love and want to watch again. It made me laugh, it made me happy, and it inspired me to keep pushing for my dreams, just like Bilal, Joey, and Omz did. If
If you haven’t seen RED PITCH yet, you’re in for a treat! I guarantee it will be one of the best plays you’ll watch this year!
Related links
- Read transfer RED PITCH transfer announcement from Bush Theatre to Soho Place
- Read interview with cast and creatives
Need to know: Red Pitch plays @SohoPlace until 4 May 2024. See listing.
