Ryan Calais Cameron's thought-provoking play Retrograde is to transfer into the West End in March 2025. The tense thriller about the activist and actor Sidney Poitier will perform a strictly limited season at the Apollo Theatre from March 8th to June 14th.
Calais Cameron previously had success with the production For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy which ran for two short seasons in the West End. Retrograde will transfer to the Apollo from the Kiln Theatre and follows the fortunes of a young Sidney Poitier who sits on the cusp of signing a Hollywood contract that could define his career and make him a star.
Artistic Director of the Kiln Theatre, Amit Sharma directs the production that will star Ivanno Jeremiah (Constellations, Humans, Channel 4) who reprises the role of Sidney Poitier. He will be joined by Stanley Townsend (Kaos, The Normal Heart) as Mr Parks, and Oliver Johnstone (Antigone, All My Sons) as writer Bobby.
Ryan Calais Cameron commented on the transfer, “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."
Oliver Johnstone said, “Retrograde is one of the best new plays I’ve read in a long time. Ryan’s writing is electric. So I’m excited to be working on it alongside two actors whom I greatly admire and an incredibly talented creative team.”
Stanley Townsend said, “With morals and ethics on the ropes, and a man’s life in the balance: Retrograde is a Runyonesque rollercoaster with a ticking time bomb on board.”
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; centering 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.”
The wider creative team behind the production also includes Amy Mae (Lighting Designer), Frankie Bradshaw (Set and Costume Designer), and Beth Duke (Sound Designer).
Tickets to Retrograde at the Apollo Theatre are currently on sale.
Address
31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES
Venue Facilities
Air conditioned
Nearest Tube
Piccadilly Circus
Tube Lines
Bakerloo, Piccadilly
Directions from nearest tube
The Apollo Theatre is situated on Shaftesbury Avenue in the West End of London, close to Piccadilly Circus tube station.
Railway Station
Charing Cross
Bus Numbers
(Shaftesbury Avenue) 12, 14, 19, 38; (Regent Street) 6, 13, 15, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453
Night Bus Numbers
(Shaftesbury Avenue) 14, N19, N38; (Regent Street) 6, 12, 23, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453, N3, N13, N15, N109, N18, N136
Car Park
Brewer Street (2mins)
Within Congestion Zone
Yes
Box Office Theatre Tickets
On Sale STA
Day Tickets
On Sale STA
The Apollo Theatre is a medium size West End theatre with a capacity of 833 seats on four levels. Excellent views are available throughout the venue, with very limited overhang coming from the higher tiers and steep rakes throughout ensuring good visibility of the stage.
Seats in the Stalls provide excellent views throughout, even towards the rear of the seating with premium seats being found in the front centre section of either the Stalls and also the Dress Circle which provide an immersive theatrical experience.
Seats in the front row of the Grand Circle are often sold at a discount in price, and although they are situated quite high up, you have a decent view of the action from an elevated position. The best seats in this section can be found one row behind in seats B15-18, as they do not feature any restriction from the lighting equipment. Seats towards the rear of the Stalls also offer a great view of the stage on a budget and are ideal for last-minute bargain hunters.