The Royale By Marco Ramirez

The Royale tells the story of boxer Jay Jackson, the first African-American Heavyweight Champion of the World. It is loosely based on the real-life story of Jack Johnson, whose story is one of great talent and triumph, but also racism and injustice.

Despite Johnson being one of the greatest fighters who had ever lived, one newspaper wrote at the time of his first title fight: 'If the black man wins, thousands and thousands of his ignorant brothers will misinterpret his victory as justifying claims to much more than mere physical equality with their white neighbors'.

Scripted in 12 rounds by Orange is the New Black writer Marco Ramirez, and directed by Bush Artistic Director Madani Younis, this play looks at the transcendence of sporting heroes as cultural icons of our time.

Ewan Stewart (Titanic) and Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (Home, nut) will complete the cast of The Royale, joining the previously announced Frances Ashman, Clint Dyer and Nicholas Pinnock.