Tyrell Williams was born and bred in South London, grew up on the Aylesbury Estate off the Old Kent Road and loved storytelling from an early age. He tells me, ’I would write stories and share them with my mum and she would always encourage me – That’s when I realised I loved writing,’ writes Michael Holland.
His passion for writing continued through primary school and then secondary school before he studied Creative Writing and Journalism at Middlesex University. It was while on his educational journey that he ‘developed a keen interest in directing’, a string to his bow that led to the YouTube phenomenon #Hooddocumentary, the satirical mockumentary on urban life that he co-wrote and directed, and which quickly jumped from YouTube to BBC3 where it garnered many awards.
Tyrell’s latest project is Red Pitch, which won five major Best Debut awards when it opened at The Bush Theatre and now has a rematch in the West End.
The author says Red Pitch is about ‘Football. Family. Friendship – Three life-long friends have ambitions of becoming professional footballers but they have to navigate this dream while contending with the many changes happening to and around them; the most pressing change is the one happening to their local area.’
What motivated you to write this play?
‘When I was on the bus passing through my old estate, it passed the area where my local football pitch used to be. The space that my friends and I used to play on had been demolished and been replaced with houses. What was more alarming was that these houses were unoccupied – they were built upon my memories and not fulfilling their purpose.’
I was immediately intrigued. The change is one I can relate to as I grew up on a council estate on the other side of the Old Kent Road to the Aylesbury, estates neglected by successive councils and governments who wanted to run them down then knock them down and sell the new builds off to private owners – many who live overseas and have no intention of ever living in their properties.
Tyrell said rehearsals are going well as they prepare for opening at the new Soho Place Theatre. ‘It’s most exciting to watch actors discover new things, unearth new layers and find further depth, despite reaching incredible levels previously – they truly are magicians. Plus, we have a phenomenal team, led by the incomparable Daniel Bailey directing.’
He adds that ‘Everyone is welcome. I hope to see familiar faces as well as new ones. We are inviting all audiences to come with open minds and open hearts.’
Soho Place,4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Rd, London W1D 3BG from 15th March – 4th May. Mon – Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat matinees 3pm. Admission: £25 – £65.
Booking: www.sohoplace.org
