Our Little Hour is a moving and immersive musical drama that brings to life the extraordinary story of Walter Tull, a trailblazing figure whose courage transcended the harsh racial barriers of early twentieth-century Britain. Orphaned at the age of eight and raised in an East London children’s home, Tull went on to forge a groundbreaking football career before making history as one of the first men of African-Caribbean descent to be commissioned as an officer in the British Army.
The play follows Tull’s journey from the pitch to the trenches, weaving together themes of ambition, identity, camaraderie and sacrifice. With powerful storytelling and sixteen original songs, Our Little Hour captures the rhythm, hope and heartbreak of a young man determined to rise above the limitations imposed upon him. His time at Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town is brought vividly to the stage, highlighting both the discrimination he faced and the deep respect he earned for his skill, dignity and resolve.
As the First World War erupts, the narrative shifts to the Western Front, where Tull’s leadership, integrity and bravery set him apart. Despite military regulations intended to restrict the advancement of Black soldiers, Tull was recommended for and granted an officer’s commission — a moment that remains one of the most significant yet overlooked chapters in British military history. The production honours his role as a platoon commander, leading his men through unimaginable hardship with calm authority and unwavering purpose.
Written by Dougie Blaxland and composed by Chris Anthony, Our Little Hour blends drama, poetry and song to create a heartfelt portrait of a national hero too often left out of mainstream accounts of the period. The show offers audiences a deeply emotional experience, illuminating the humanity behind the headlines and restoring Tull to the centre of the story he helped shape.
First performed to acclaim during Black History Month 2024, the production returns as part of a major revival, continuing its mission to share Tull’s legacy with new generations. It stands as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the resilience required to challenge injustice in any era.
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