About

The New Theatre Royal hosts a brand new musical drama based on the life of Walter Tull - from a book and lyrics by Dougie Blaxland, with an original score by Chris Anthony and starring Neil Reidman (Dr Who, Casualty, Eastenders, The Detectorists, The Level).

The inspirational story of the legendary pioneering hero – Walter Tull – is brought to the stage in a new musical drama by award winning playwright Dougie Blaxland and celebrated composer Chris Anthony. Commissioned by Show Racism The Red Card and produced in association with Live Wire Theatre, Our Little Hour explores how Walter Tull – grandson of a Barbadian slave and orphaned at eight years old – rose to prominence against all odds.

The first black footballer to play at the highest level of the domestic game in the UK, he went on to achieve yet another historic breakthrough as the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an Officer in the British Army.

Tragically killed in action just a few weeks before the end of World War 1, Walter Tull's pioneering achievements have earned him a distinguished place in British history and in the hearts of everyone who knows his story.

Combining a power packed drama with haunting original music, Our Little Hour comes hot on the heels of huge critical acclaim for On The Ropes – Dougie Blaxland's most recent musical drama – which enjoyed a sell out run at The Park Theatre London last year.

Winner of the 2021 National Campaign for the Arts Best Arts Project award for his docu-drama N17, Dougie Blaxland's stage play, Unknown, was listed by The Guardian amongst its readers' favourite theatre of 2020.

"It movingly mixes poetry, dance, drama, brilliant live Reggae and Blues music that demands the audience join in, and some wonderfully raw humour." The Guardian on On The Ropes

"A score of absolute gold-standard….with a great verve and spirit, celebrating the human joy that can break through the most hostile of environments." Musical Theatre Review on On The Ropes