‘Red Pitch’,  on at Soho Theatre until 4th of May, is unmissable; an amazingly moving play about the spirit of brotherhood and community as it struggles to survive within a modern world of rapid change and competition.

The performance showcases three young black boys fighting for their dream careers as footballers, whilst also facing issues like the gentrification of their estate and increasing responsibility within their families. Despite growing up on the same estate, all three characters were in different financial  and familial situations, and had different attitudes towards their upcoming football trial, and their estate changing. One viewed it as a loss of culture and authenticity in their home, while another viewed it as the government ‘fixing up' their home, and that all the change would benefit their community in the long term. One saw the football trial as the be-all and end-all, while another took a more laid-back approach. Contrasts like this were definitely causes of conflict between the boys, giving the play, and the relationships within it, a further depth and profundity.

The only characters shown in the play were the three young teenagers, giving space for each of their well-written storylines to be spotlighted and appreciated, and allowing a deepened personal connection between the audience and each boy. But it wasn’t just the plot that made the play such a success, it was also the theatrical technique. A particularly eye-catching aspect was the way in which the director played with lighting; in their hopeful journey towards professional football, each character had ‘daydreaming’ moments, the lights being used to imitate the flashes of cameras as they played in a stadium, in front of a roaring crowd. It was an extra splash of creativity that really helped to bring the production to life.

‘Red Pitch’ is a must-see; it will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will open your eyes to the relentless struggle of young boys all over the UK. You won’t regret booking those tickets.