Our Little Hour

Show Racism The Red Card in association with Live Wire Theatre present Our Little Hour – the musical based on the life of the late, great Walter Tull.

Book & lyrics by Dougie Blaxland
Music by Chris Anthony

Our Little Hour tells the compelling story of Walter Tull; the first black footballer to play at the highest level and the first Black British Army Officer before his tragic death days before the end of World War 1.

Following its critically acclaimed, sell-out success in 2024, Our Little Hour comes to Colchester as part of its 2026 revival tour.

Hailed as “an intensely moving new musical drama”, it tells the inspirational story of how Walter Tull – grandson of a Barbadian slave and orphaned at just eight years old – rose to prominence as the first black footballer to play at the highest level of the domestic game in the UK before achieving another historic breakthrough as the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an Officer in the British Army.

Starring Neil Reidman (The Mousetrap, Eastenders, The Detectorists) – nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Role for the Black British Theatre Award 2024.

Written by award-winning playwright Dougie Blaxland and including 16 “hauntingly beautiful original songs” Our Little Hour is a show “not to be missed”.

Accessibility and Content to Consider

This is suitable for ages 11+ (Key Stage 3). It is inspired by historic events and real-life people. It contains some themes of death, racism and discrimination. There is also mention of war, slavery and being orphaned.

Studio Event

Please note that this performance takes place in our smaller Studio Theatre. If it’s your first visit or you are unfamiliar with the Mercury building, you can find out more about our spaces here.

Music

Listen to some music from the show!