On The Ropes By Vernon Vanriel and Dougie Blaxland

Pulsating with the rhythmic energies of blues, reggae and boxing, On the Ropes is an uplifting musical drama telling the extraordinary story of Vernon Vanriel who arrived in Britain aged 6 with his family as part of the Windrush Generation, and rose to prominence as one of the most charismatic and influential Black British boxers of the 70s and 80s.

In 2005, having lived in North London for over 40 years, Vernon found himself trapped in Jamaica, and in a bare-knuckle fight for his right to citizenship with the British Home Office.

In an energetic fusion of live music, humour, poetry and the duck and weave of the boxing ring,On the Ropes is a celebration of Vernon – aka The Entertainer – and, ultimately, of how courage, dignity and a fighting spirit can triumph over prejudice and injustice.

Supported by Arts Council England, The Leche Trust, The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust, The Austin Hope Pilkington Trust, and The Royal Victoria Hall Foundation.

The Production Exchange (TPE) combines producing a broad portfolio of work across the Arts and Entertainment industries with an artists’ management agency. Recognised for championing early-career artists alongside more established Performers, Writers and Directors, TPE advocates for the progression and visibility of practitioners of diverse heritage and ability. In particular, specialising in working with d/Deaf, disabled, trans and gender-fluid artists.

Established in 2013 by Colin Blumenau, formerly Artistic Director of the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds1996–2012, TPE is Chaired by Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon, currently the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords. TPE endeavours to uphold the social value of the Arts, delivering high-quality professional development and pastoral care, to empower generations of creative practitioners to celebrate bold, imaginative storytelling for a diversity of audiences. More information can be found at www.theproductionexchange.com