In remembrance of a forgotten hero
A moving musical drama about Walter Tull, a young, gifted and black professional football player and officer of the British Army in the First World War. He was born to an English Mother and Barbadian Father, who were both members of the Methodist Church. They met, fell in love and married in the late 19th Century, when such marriages were a rarity, writes Linda Emmanuel.
The set comprised of two large wooden step ladders, a couple of stools and box crates, plus costumes and props which completed the Edwardian backdrop to the story.
Three accomplished performers sharing this important tale of a forgotten hero, Leon Newman as Walter Tull, Neil Reidman as Daniel Tull and Geebs Marie Williams as Alice Tull, are nothing short of inspiring. Though the cast is small, with thoughtful physical direction and movement, we are led on an epic journey filled with multiple characters and well-crafted songs that carry the emotional narrative of the life of young Walter, who lost both his loving parents by the age of 8.
Separated from his other siblings, he and his brother Edward are sent to a Methodist orphanage in Bethnal Green. In that harsh environment he found solace practising his footballing skills. Whilst playing for amateur club Clapton, he was scouted and signed up to play for Tottenham Hotspur where chants of “Darkie Hotspur” became a mantra as both home and away fans would make monkey noises whenever he was near the ball. Walter finally feels a sense of belonging when he is warmly welcomed by the fans of Northampton Town football league club.
In 1914 when war was declared he was one of the first to sign up to join the Footballers’ Battalion. He quickly rose up the ranks to become the first mixed heritage infantry Officer in a regular British Army regime, despite regulations excluding ‘Negroes from exercising command as officers’. As second lieutenant he led his platoon of 26 men on a night raid, they returned unscathed.
He was praised for his ‘Gallantry and coolness’ under fire by his superior officers, who recommended him to receive the Military Cross, a medal which was never honoured because of his skin colour. Soon after, Walter was killed in action in France and never got the recognition he deserved. A campaign continues to correct this injustice.
Writer Dougie Blaxland says, “we have still have a long way to go to reach the 10,000 signatures needed for a formal response from the Government but we hope audiences will be moved to support us when they have heard the great man’s extraordinary story”.
More details of the campaign to honour Walter Tull can be found via the following link:
Our Little Hour portrays a piece of history that is both touching and current, with themes of racism, classism and overcoming adversity.
Blaxland’s wonderful show is a tribute to all forgotten heroes, the forgotten soldiers who gave and still give their lives for the promise of a beautiful future.
Greenwich Theatre until 7th February and then on UK tour until 21st March.
Booking: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/ourlittlehour/
Tour dates: https://www.theredcard.org/news/our-little-hour-returns/
