Retrograde
From Poitier’s charm to the ticking of the times, Retrograde captures the essence of an era.
“Retrograde,” set against the politically turbulent backdrop of 1955, weaves a gripping tale about the struggles and triumphs of Sidney Poitier during his ascent in Hollywood. This narrative is smartly framed within the era’s haunting fears of communism versus capitalism, echoing through the sinister undertones of the FBI’s scrutiny and the chilling whispers of the Red Channels – an anti-communist pamphlet that signified danger for many in Hollywood.
Walking into the theatre the stage setting is nothing short of a visual feast. Designed by Frankie Bradshaw, the set mimics an office from the Mid-Century Modern era, characterised by wooden panelling, a space-age clock, and G-Force style chairs. The set’s slightly off-tilt orientation subtly suggests the skewed reality of the times, enhancing the thematic undertones of surveillance and ideological imbalance. The genius of the set lies in its colour scheme—shades and tones of red and blue are spread so subtly throughout that their significance sneaks up on you, mirroring the creeping tension of the era’s political divide.
Beth Duke, as the Sound Designer, meticulously layers every scene with a soundscape that’s as precise as it is evocative. From the rhythmic ticking that punctuates the silence to the muffled chaos of street sounds when the window cracks open, every auditory detail builds on the tension that the visuals so cunningly set up.
Stanley Townsend’s portrayal of Mr. Parks is a marvel. Initially it threw me, his character seems caught between two extremes—sharp and serious, yet somehow fun and friendly. But as the plot unwinds, this duality reveals the essence of his character: a lurking predator masked by joviality. Townsend delivers a performance that cleverly masks his true motivations, leaving us guessing till the very end.
Oliver Johnstone as Bobby brings to life the quintessential fast-talking Hollywood writer, his performance bursting with the energy and desperation of a man racing against the tides of censorship and suspicion. Let’s talk about Ivanno Jeremiah as Sidney Poitier—what a revelation. From his carefree whiskey drinking entrance to the mounting suspicion and betrayal, Jeremiah portrays Poitier with a finesse that captures both the charm and the turmoil of the era.
Director Amit Sharma’s precise direction ensures that every hat placed, and movement to the coat rack, is steeped in meaning. His meticulous attention to the etiquette of the time adds layers of depth to the already rich narrative, making every gesture a narrative in itself.
In all, “Retrograde” is a theatrical gem that brilliantly marries the serious tones of historical drama with biting wit, reminiscent of a period-appropriate Oscar Wilde play. It’s a treat for those who cherish sharp dialogue and deeper historical insights wrapped in outstanding performances. I will definitely be adding Ryan Calais Cameron to my list of favourite playwrights.
This show was reviewed on the 20th March 2025 at the Apollo Theatre, London where it runs until the 14th June 2025. Tickets available here: Retrograde – Apollo Theatre
Review written by Valentine Gale-Sides
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Photo credit : Marc Brenner
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