Walter Tull musical coming to Exeter as part of UK tour

A new musical exploring the life of Walter Tull, regarded as Britain’s first Black Army officer, will come to Exeter next February as part of a national theatre tour highlighting a long-running campaign for historical recognition.

Our Little Hour will be staged at Barnfield Theatre on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 February 2026, presented in association with Exeter Northcott Theatre.

The Exeter performances form part of a UK-wide tour commissioned by anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card.

The production tells the story of Walter Tull, who made history both as one of the first Black professional footballers in England and later as an officer in the British Army during the First World War.

In 1917, Walter was commissioned despite army regulations introduced only three years earlier stating that officers should be of “pure European descent”.

The musical also draws attention to Walter's wartime service and a campaign calling for him to be posthumously awarded the Military Cross.

He was recommended for the honour following a raid on 1 January 1918 across the Piave River in northern Italy, during which he led 26 soldiers under heavy fire.

All members of the unit returned safely, and his commanding officer later cited his “gallantry and coolness”.

The award was never issued, and Walter was killed in action in northern France three months later.

Local residents have welcomed the production’s arrival in Exeter.

James Holloway, a St Thomas resident and regular theatre-goer, said: “It’s encouraging to see stories like Walter Tull’s being brought to local stages."

"A lot of people don’t realise how significant his contribution was, both in sport and in the military.”

Exeter University student Amina Rahman said the production felt particularly relevant: “Exeter has a growing and diverse population, but our shared history isn’t always visible."

"A show like this helps connect national history to conversations we’re having locally about equality and representation.”

Meanwhile, Heavitree resident and former teacher Margaret Lewis said she hoped schools would engage with the story:“This is exactly the kind of history that can make the past feel real and meaningful for younger people.

Adding to this, she said that "seeing it performed makes it harder to ignore.”

The musical has been described by critics as “intensely moving” and combines drama with original music.

Its creators say the tour is intended both as a cultural event and as a way of encouraging public support for the campaign to formally recognise Walter's actions.

More than 3,000 people have so far signed a petition calling on the Government to honour Walter Tull, with organisers seeking 10,000 signatures to trigger an official response.

Tickets and further details for the Exeter performances are available through the Exeter Northcott Theatre website.