Kiln Theatre presents
RETROGRADE
by Ryan Calais-Cameron
Following the sell out run at Kiln theatre, Retrograde is transferring to the West End’s Apollo Theatre for a strictly limited run from 8 March 2025.
Click here for tickets and more information.
‘Mr Parks, this isn’t just a movie, it’s a whole movement. Whether you like it or not is irrelevant.’
The Golden Age of Hollywood. Behind closed doors, aspiring actor Sidney Poitier is offered a lucrative contract that could make him a superstar. But what is he willing to sacrifice?
From the writer of award-winning, sold-out, For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, Ryan Calais Cameron’s explosive new play explores identity, resilience, and integrity as it examines a true event in 1950’s Hollywood and the reality of a Black actor’s journey to stardom.
Directed by Kiln Associate Director Amit Sharma (The Boy with Two Hearts), this world premiere explores a moment in a career which paved ways and changed perceptions, cementing the legacy of a Hollywood icon. Retrograde asks the question; how much have we really evolved?
Important Information
Age Guidance: 14+
Post show Q&A: Tues 2 May, 7.30pm
For content advice, click here.
Access Performances
Audio Description
All performances of Retrograde will be audio described.
Please note: you will need to pre-book a headset for the date of your performance. We cannot guarantee use of headsets if you arrive without pre-booking.
If this option isn’t available when booking online, or you wish to add this on after purchase, please contact Box Office on tickets@kilntheatre.com or call 020 7328 1000.
Listen to introductory notes for the audio description here.
Audio Described Performances: All performances
Touch Tour: Thu 18 May, 6pm
Captioned Performances: Thu 11 May 7.30pm; Fri 12 May 7.30pm; Sat 13 May, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Relaxed Performance: Sat 20 May, 2.30pm
For an Easy Read of the play, including specific detail on content and sound, click here.
Click here for Access information. If you have any questions about any of our services or need assistance in arranging your visit please get in touch: 020 7328 1000
Email Access@KilnTheatre.com
‘Capably directed by Amit Sharma and beautifully acted, propels Ryan Calais Cameron, at a stroke, to the front rank of our playwrights’
‘Ivanno Jeremiah gives a career-best performance as Sidney Poitier’
‘Ryan Calais Cameron’s portrait of Sidney Poitier is electrifying’
‘Terrific’
‘Jeremiah gives a magnetic central performance as Poitier’
‘Tremendous’
‘Perfectly pitched
Photos by Marc Brenner
Creative Team
Hazel Holder
Voice & Dialect Coach
Vicki Senior
Wigs and Hair Supervisor
Sidney Poitier Cinema Season
Alongside the world première of Retrograde, a duo of Sidney Poitier’s films will be screened at Kiln Cinema to accompany the production on stage. Ryan Calais Cameron’s new play, set in 1950s Hollywood, is based on a true event in the life of legendary actor. Each screening will be accompanied by a pre-screening Q&A with Kiln Associate Director and director of Retrograde, Amit Sharma.
Discount available for Retrograde ticket holders. Simply log in to your account and the £2 discount per ticket will be applied.
Booking for Retrograde at the same time as booking your screening ticket? Use promocode POITIER2 to save £2 off each screening ticket.
Retrograde is generously supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a donor advised fund held at The London Community Foundation.
