Contrary Life

Contrary Life is a website covering quirky events across the UK.

  • Home
  • About
  • Events by region
    • North East
    • North West
    • Yorkshire
    • East Midlands
    • West Midlands
    • East
    • London
    • South East
    • South West
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales
Home > Theatre > One man play tells the extraordinary unknown story of Charles Ignatius Sancho

One man play tells the extraordinary unknown story of Charles Ignatius Sancho

By Caroline King - June 3, 2018Posted in : Theatre

Wilton’s Music Hall, London - Paterson Joseph - Sancho: An Act Of Remembrance

An Act of Remembrance at Wilton’s Music Hall

When: 4th – 16th June 2018

Where: Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, Whitechapel, London E1 8JB

£: Tickets cost £12.50 – £25 (Recommended for ages 10+)

What is it?

Following an international tour, Wilton’s Music Hall will host the London premiere of Sancho: An Act Of Remembrance.  Acclaimed actor Paterson Joseph’s one-man play tells the extraordinary unknown story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, English gentleman, socialite, composer, writer, abolitionist and first Afro-Briton to vote in Britain.

Sancho was conceived, written and performed by Paterson Joseph (NT’s Emperor Jones, RSC’s Julius Caesar, Peep Show and Green Wing) after years of wanting to star in a period drama but finding that the only stories about black Britons before the 20th century were that of slavery and therefore limited roles for black actors.  Joseph was fascinated then to discover the story of Sancho and his incredible, unique life.

Born on a slave ship in 1729 and educated in London in secret, Sancho spent his early life working as a butler for aristocratic families in South London where he immersed himself in music, poetry, reading and writing.  He went on to own a greengrocers in Westminster, mixing with notable actors, writers and musicians, before becoming the first British-African to vote in a British election.

He was immortalized by the great English painter Thomas Gainsborough and became a fierce voice in the abolitionism movement and a symbol of the immorality of the slave trade.  In a largely white society, Sancho’s life was not just unusual but completely unprecedented, and it was for this reason that Joseph decided to bring his story to life on stage.

This revealing and funny one-man show casts a light on the widely unknown and often-misunderstood narratives of the African-Britain experience; Joseph cleverly takes audiences through Sancho’s early years in 18th century London and explores his ascent into middle class society.

Co-directed by Simon Godwin (Associate Director, National Theatre), this is a true exploration of the curious, daringly determined and intelligent man who plays a remarkable yet relatively unknown role in the history of Britain.

More info: www.wiltons.org.uk

Related Posts

  • The state of a divided nation in I am of Ireland
  • A craft inspired dance performance tours to London and Scotland

Tagged With: London, London theatre, Wilton's Music Hall

Curiosity of the Week

Woodhenge, Stonehenge’s lesser-known neighbour
Woodhenge - ©English Heritage, Historic England Photo Library

You have heard of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, but have you heard of its lesser known neighbour, Woodhenge? Find out more in our latest Curiosity of the Week…

Top Story

HandleBards hit the pedals again to bring you a summer of outdoor theatre
HandleBards A Midsummer Night's Dream ©Rah Petherbridge Photography

The HandleBards are a Shakespearean troupe who tour by bike. And to celebrate their 10th anniversary, they’re climbing back into the saddle…

What are you looking for today?

  • Alternative Sport
  • Art
  • Cabaret and Circus
  • Cinema
  • Classes, Workshops & Talks
  • Club Night
  • Comedy
  • Dance
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Fairs and Markets
  • Festival
  • Food & Drink
  • Heritage and History
  • Interview
  • Literature
  • Museum
  • Music
  • Nature and Outdoors
  • Review
  • Science and Technology
  • Theatre
  • Walks and Tours

Sign up to our Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 · Contrary Life