Tull

Synopsis

The remarkable tale of real life World War One hero Walter Tull - a talented officer on the battlefield and the first black outfield player in the First Division of the Football League. Tull's exceptional talent as a footballer led to him being signed by Tottenham Hotspur in 1909. His achievements on the pitch, both as a sportsman and a gentleman, soon became recognised in the national press. One journalist, reporting on a match against Bristol City, stated "Tull is so clean in mind and method as to be a model for all white men who play football whether they be amateur or professional." When the Great War broke out in 1914 Tull signed up and soon demonstrated a natural flair to lead and inspire. Despite military regulations forbidding "any negro or person of colour" becoming an infantry officer, Tull's heroism in battle was rewarded in May 1917. Overcoming racial prejudice and military rules he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and became one of the first black British officers in the British army in the First World War. Tull remained unmarried however the play explores his relationship with suffragette Annie Williams, his landlady and close companion, with whom he found a kinship despite the many restrictive social conventions they faced.

Our Review:

24 February 2013

Not many people may have heard of Walter Tull but he was a real life World War One hero and only the second black footballer to play professionally in Great Britain. He was signed by Tottenham Hotspur in 1909, proving himself to be a talented and skilful player and in 1914 he demonstrated his flair to lead and inspire by becoming an infantry officer during the Great War. His dramatic and moving tale charts his perseverance and determination to overcome prejudice, military rules and divisions.  

This Bolton Octagon production is a world premiere by Phil Vasili based on his biography and it proves to be a gripping and absorbing story of one man’s belief that we all have a purpose in this life. It may be set a century ago but the play has relevance and an importance for today as we still need to stand up for right, honour and justice.

It is played in modern dress of blacks and greys on a bare stage but the cast bring colour and life to the multiple scenes ha...

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Latest User Review

J Pilkington - 9 March 2013:

Very powerful and important story, performed by a strong cast. Really enjoyed it. ...

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