On The Ropes
By Vernon Vanriel and Dougie Blaxland
Pulsating with the rhythmic energies of blues, reggae and boxing, On the Ropes is an uplifting musical drama telling the extraordinary story of Vernon Vanriel who arrived in Britain aged 6 with his family as part of the Windrush Generation, and rose to prominence as one of the most charismatic and influential Black British boxers of the 70s and 80s.
In 2005, having lived in North London for over 40 years, Vernon found himself trapped in Jamaica, and in a bare-knuckle fight for his right to citizenship with the British Home Office.
In an energetic fusion of live music, humour, poetry and the duck and weave of the boxing ring, On the Ropes is a celebration of Vernon – aka The Entertainer – and, ultimately, of how courage, dignity and a fighting spirit can triumph over prejudice and injustice.
The Production Exchange and Park Theatre present the World Premiere
-
Evenings
19.30
Thu & Sat15.00
In the Press
"Powerful. Intelligently directed by Anastaisa Osei-Kuffour"
Islington Gazette
"Profoundly Moving"
"This is such an important story, and such an important play"
The Black Project
"A howl of defiance. The audience were enthralled throughout"
Cast & Creatives
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Mensah Bediako
Vernon
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Ashley D Gayle
Chorus
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Amber James
Chorus
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Vernon Vanriel
Writer
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Dougie Blaxland
Writer
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Anastasia Osei-Kuffour
Director
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Zahra Mansouri
Set & Costume Design
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Nicole Bowden
Costume Supervisor
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Holly Ellis
Lighting Designer
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Gareth Fry
Sound Designer
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Pete Buffery
Sound Operator & ASM
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Peter Rickards (for Estage)
Production Manager
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Harry Blumenau
Casting Director
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Gaby Nimo
Choreographer
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Lucy Ventham
Company Stage Manager
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Ian Oakley
Musical Director
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Jeremy Barlow
Fight Director
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Bori Papp
Design Assistant Intern
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Diana Whitehead at Forth Wall PR
PR
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Ernest Mills at Savage Mills
Videographer
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Steve Gregson
Photographer
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