Theatre Review: On The Ropes, Park Theatre
Image Credit: Steve Gregson
★★★★1/2
Vernon Vanriel. It’s not a name I knew before last night, but it’s one I should have. Because he is part of modern British history, in more ways than one. He came to the UK aged 6 as part of the Windrush Generation, and rose to become one of the countries most influential Black British boxers. He was, at one point, the number 2 boxer in the UK. But after he spoke up about racism in the sport, particularly by promoters, he saw himself blacklisted, his career effectively over.
The play is a musical, performed in the round - or rather, in the ring - and it tells the story of Vernon’s life in a series of 12 rounds, and it is a truly incredibly life. Sectioned at the height of his success, diagnosed with bipolar, his career taken from him, a battle with addiction, it tells well how quickly you can go from having everything to having nothing. And being written by Vernon himself, it’s impressive that it doesn’t shy away from that. He doesn’t write himself as a martyr, simply as a man with light and shade, ups and downs, hardships and victories.
It’s a 3 person play, and every one of them shines. Even through laryngitis and antibiotics, all 3 soldiered on for press night to deliver an emotional punch of a performance. Mensah Bediako takes to the floor as Vernon, and he transitions through the changing energy of youth, to young man, to a grown man with grace and ease. His voice is a real highlight too, his performance of the final song had me choking back tears. He is supported by Ashley D Gale and Amber James who play - well, everyone else. His parents, his siblings, his friends and his partners, boxing promoters, coaches, police officers, judges, and more. They handle the constant switching expertly, and at times it was a little camp but in the absolute best way.
My one criticism is that the early part lacks some pace, it takes a while to really get going. But when it does it is worth the wait, and the second half is gripping. And also, devastating. Because in 2005, Vernon went to Jamaica, to get away from London, get his head straight again, and spend time with his son. 2 years later, he was ready to come home. 2 years and 4 months later. Which meant the British Government didn’t let him home. Indefinite doesn’t mean indefinite it seems.
Personally, I think this country let the Windrush Scandal go too quickly. For 13 years Vernon battled to get home. In that time, because he hadn’t lived in Jamaica for long enough for support he had no money, no home, no medical support, no support with his visa application. Nothing. He spent 13 years homeless and stateless, living in derilict buildings, old chicken coops, he was nearly murdered by police, he nearly died of a heart attack, he lost his sister and couldn’t attend her funeral. He lost everything. And they tell you the details, and you watch this man fight on through everything life through at him.
By the end, you feel like you’ve been put through 12 rounds emotionally, but also, you can’t help but smile. Because this is his story. He wrote it. He got to have his voice heard, and here we are to listen. Putting himself back into the history books. Windrush Generation. Black British Boxing Legend. Windrush Scandal. They are all British history, and they are all his history. This is such an important story, and such an important play, and I really do implore everyone who can to head to Park Theatre and see it before it ends.
On the Ropes runs until February 4th at Park Theatre, Finsbury Park. Book tickets here.