Tull

Tull: Octagon Theatre Bolton

The world premiere of Tull, the remarkable tale of real life World War One hero Walter Tull – a talented officer on the battlefield and only the second black footballer to play professionally in Great Britain.

Tull's exceptional talent as a footballer led to him being signed by Tottenham Hotspur in 1909. His achievements on the pitch, both as a sportsman and a gentleman, soon became recognised in the national press. One journalist, reporting on a match against Bristol City, stated 'Tull is so clean in mind and method as to be a model for all white men who play football whether they be amateur or professional.'

When the Great War broke out in 1914 Tull signed up and soon demonstrated a natural flair to lead and inspire. Despite military regulations forbidding 'any negro or person of colour' becoming an infantry officer, Tull's heroism in battle was rewarded in May 1917.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and became the first black officer in the British Army.