Retrograde

Review by Sam

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ryan Calais Cameron's Hollywood thriller makes a red carpet entrance into the West End following a sold out run at the Kiln Theatre.

Inspired by real events, this captivating three-hand drama delves into an meeting room in 1955 Hollywood, as young Black actor Sidney Poitier prepares to sign a career-defining contract. But with racist paranoia polluting the minds of the industry, will Poitier put his carer before his principles? Calais Cameron's showcases his knack for writing engrosing dialogue as his carefully constructed script oozes expert craftsmanship. It manages to balance both razor sharp humour with explosive and intellectually threatening monologues to create a pressure cooker of a play.

Amit Sharma perfectly matches Calais Cameron's intense script through excellent direction, increasingly raising the stakes over the course of the tight 90 minute wisecracking melodrama. Moments are purposefully drawn out to build dramatic tension masterfully, with direction and dialogue consistently teetering on the verge of explosive outbursts. By meticulously constructing the production in this way, the statement moments from Ivanno Jeremiah feel intensified and profound, with Jeremiah delivering these in a heartfelt powerful performance.

Jeremiah reprises his riverting and gripping role as Potitier, commanding the stage from the moment he enters the action. Stanley Townsend and Oliver Johnstone complete the cast, adding depth and humour to the narrative, with their delivery of snappy exchanges being consistently hysterical. However, these quips can occasionally veer the show off course before quickly finding its way back on track to reach its rousing conclusion.

Retrograde secures Calais Cameron as one of the best playwriters working today as his latest production is a meticulously crafted and stiringly great history lesson. The three man cast are powerful, commanding and deliver an engrosingly vital performance which speaks volume in todays climate.