Tyrell Williams’ debut play, ‘Red Pitch’, decodes family, football and gentrification in a coming-of-age drama that celebrates the small victories.
Footy aspirants Omz (Lovehall), Bilal (Williams-Sterling) and Joey (Sesay) are training for their trials on Sunday where they hope to be scouted, but they struggle to keep their heads in the game while their neighbourhood changes rapidly around them. The pitch is not only where they sport, but also a space for them to muse and engage in healthy competition, bicker, and question things, pushing each other to their limits.
Each boy has a strong passion for the game, highlighted by the dream sequences for each: Bilal works hard on and off the field to impress his father; Joey is earnest yet privileged, and repeatedly points out the positive possibilities gentrification can have for the neighbourhood; while Omz is cheeky yet directionless, stressed about his grandfather’s health but using the pitch to get his mind off things. Despite coming from different religious/class backgrounds, the three boys find comfort, camaraderie and discipline on the red pitch, which is quite literally the stage (top marks to Amelia Jane Hankins!). Their performances (outside the formidable footwork) are electrifying. The gentrification is ever present, looming in the background as atmospheric sound design, which intensify during arguments on the pitch, and settle once conflicts resolve, mirroring perhaps the inextricably linked lives of people who must live during such a turbulent process. Yet, for all its seriousness, the production is ultimately endearing and hilarious.
‘Red Pitch’ keeps you on your toes: the pacing is exhilarating, the script tight and the direction magnifies comedic moments where other directors may choose not to venture โ Daniel Bailey really strikes a goal here. But the one who takes the cup in the end has to be Tyrell Williams โ for a debut show, he certainly doesnโt just win on points.
Name of Production | Red Pitch
Year of Production | 2022
Venue | Bush Theatre
Cast | Kedar Williams-Stirling, Emeka Sesay, Francis Lovehall
Director | Daniel Bailey
Writer | Tyrell Williams
Set Designer | Amelia Jane Hankin
Sound Designer | Khalil Madovi
Lighting Designer | Ali Hunter
Producers/Production Company |Bush Theatre
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