Call Mr Robeson – A Life, with Songs

Theatre (historical, music)

  • C ARTS | C venues | C aurora - studio
  • 18:00
  • Aug 19
  • 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Suitability: 12+ (Guideline)
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Group: Tayo Aluko and Friends (Nigeria/UK)
  • Warnings and additional info: Contains Distressing Themes, Depiction of attempted suicide
  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 2 years

Description

One of the twentieth century’s most impressive but overlooked figures is revived in this powerful, compelling tour-de-force. When Paul Robeson, actor, singer, civil rights campaigner gets too radical and outspoken for the establishment’s liking, he is branded a traitor, harassed, and denied opportunities. This rollercoaster journey through Robeson’s remarkable life highlights how his pioneering and heroic activism led many to see him as the forerunner of the civil rights movement. Features memorable songs (including a dramatic rendition of Ol’ Man River), and Robeson’s testimony to the Un-American Activities Committee. ‘First-rate’ **** (Guardian).

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General venue access

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: Entrance to studio and accessible toilet is via level entrance to halls at 30 Lauriston Street. There is level access to the auditorium. Adapted WC located off foyer adjacent to performance space.
  • Wheelchair access type: Level Access

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Ashley Simms-Train 36 days ago

Both of Tayo Aluko’s plays are engrossing, well researched plays exploring the lives of important historical figures – showing how far the fight for equal rights has come, and unfortunately, how much further we have left to go. Many of the topics discussed are still relevant today, so these stories should not be forgotten. Highly recommended.

Jennifer Ortega 45 days ago

My husband and I really enjoyed the show. It was smart, passionate and entertaining. Thank you to the team who put the show up.

Sean Davis 47 days ago

Call Mr Robeson: A Life, with Songs (***)
Tayo Aluko portrays the actor, singer, and Black activist, Paul Robeson recounting his life and singing parts of his many famous songs with a piano accompanist. This long show takes the time to flesh out the many aspects of his life, including his many lovers and his long fight to overcome the restrictions placed on him because he was a communist. While Aluko’s powerful, deliberate delivery matches that of Robeson, it does give the show a slow, ponderous feel.


This is the 45th most enjoyable of the 84 shows I have seen so far at the Fringe this year. I hope to see almost 200. You may see my other three-sentence reviews, in order from most enjoyable to worst, at my non-commercial website: https://fringefan.com/


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

Butterwort (5/5 stars) 28 days ago

an unforgettable piece of political theatre that tells an underrepresented yet fundamental story.

Read the full review

North West End UK (4/5 stars) 31 days ago

A brilliant biographical drama.

Read the full review


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

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Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.