Plays

Retrograde

Name: Retrograde
Brand: Headout
SKU: 21130
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.6 (17 reviews)

Man in vintage suit standing in retro-themed room with diplomas and fan.

Duration

1 hr 40 min

After a sold-out smash at the Kiln, Ryan Calais Cameron's "electrifying" Retrograde lights up the Apollo—don’t blink, it’s a limited run!

Great for

Drama Fans | True Story Lovers

4.6/5

(17)

Andrew

Apr 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The show was absolutely fantastic - brilliantly written, funny, moving, thought-provoking and powerful. The three actors delivered amazing performances and I would highly recommend this play. The original seats we'd booked (2nd row of Dress Circle) were very tight on legroom (I'm quite tall), but we were fortunate that there were some empty seats further back that had more room which we were able to move to . Booking was quick and simple via Headout. I have used them several times before and will continue to do so.

Kevin

Mar 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The acting performance was superb from all three actors. A vivid depiction of the prevailing political and racial beliefs of the time.

The Golden Age of Hollywood was known for many milestones but was also the worst era in history when it came to the oppression of minorities. The 28-year-old Sidney Poitier in this true story is simply a regular guy with big plans: he wants to make his first feature film. But before he cemented his name as the first Oscar award-winning black actor, he was faced with a choice that would come to define his character. Retrograde, written by Ryan Calais Cameron, and directed by Amit Sharma, delves into a pivotal moment in the career of an industry icon, one that paved the way for newcomers, shifted public perception, and established the star's long reputation. With a limited run schedule of just 14 weeks, don't wait to see the 'exceptional' (The Guardian) drama with Retrograde tickets at the Apollo Theatre!

The story

In the golden age of Hollywood, young Sidney Poitier is summoned to an NBC studio with a nightmarish proposition - sacrifice his morals for an incredible opportunity or risk putting his entire career on the line. As a racist lawyer manipulates him with veiled threats, the actor must decide between survival and principle once and for all. Will he take the high road? Or will another man in need be forced to succumb to the harsh reality of the film business? Find the answer with tickets to Retrograde play in London!

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

How do we collect reviews?
4.6
17 ratings
5/5
11
4/5
6
3/5
0
2/5
0
1/5
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Joel
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Christina
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Lynnette
May, 2025Verified booking
5/5
George
May, 2025Verified booking
4/5
Leila
May, 2025Verified booking
4/5

Show details

Genre: Play

Audience: Suitable for 14+ yrs

Theatre name: Apollo Theatre

Theatre facilities: Accessible toilets, bar, cloakroom, lift

Accessibility: Assistive Listening system, guide dogs welcome, wheelchair spaces available

Dress Code: Smart casual

Cast & Crew

Leading Roles: Ivanno Jeremiah as Sidney Poitier, Stanley Townsend, and Oliver Johnstone

Director: Amit Sharma

Writer: Ryan Calais Cameron

Additional tips

Keep in mind, the theater is air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring along a light jacket if needed.

Caution is advised due to the presence of strong language, racial slurs, and themes of racism and McCarthyism in this production.

You will be contacted by the theatre 48 hours before the performance with instructions on how to check in and retrieve your e-ticket. If you do not receive your e-tickets, please contact 0330 333 4815 or boxoffice@nimaxtheatres.com.