Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, London, 1833. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, has collapsed on stage while playing Othello. Ira Aldridge, a young black American actor, has been asked to take over the role. But as the public riots in the streets over the abolition of the Slavery Act, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place in the theater?

Adrian Lester gives a mesmerizing, must-see performance in Red Velvet — a heartbreaking new drama that is both “fiery and funny in equal measure” (Time Out London). The play received five and four star reviews from every major London publication during its sold-out World Premiere in 2012, and has completely sold out its return engagement at the Tricycle this winter.