Almost A Hero

Racism lurks in unexpected places in this true story of a little-known whistleblower (Edmond Morel) who, supported by writer Arthur Conan Doyle and Irish patriot Roger Casement, succeeded in abolishing slavery in King Leopold’s Belgian Congo.

But was Morel really a hero? Or was he racist too?

Claude McKay, the first black journalist to work in Britain, who later crossed swords with Morel, is our guide through a play which, apart from slavery and racism, explores the clash between loyalty to a friend and loyalty to a cause, intolerance in public debate and homophobia that has tragic consequences.

It also has a local connection. Conan Doyle had a house in Hindhead, and the play highlights a part of his life that is less well-known.

DAVID GOODERSON
Actor/playwright David Gooderson is best known for playing the iconic role of Davros in Dr Who and Simpkins, the Pathologist, in A Touch of Frost.

He is no stranger to The Phoenix Theatre, having acted there in several Farnham Rep productions. Two of his plays, War! Lies! And a Packet of Fags and Kolbe’s Gift have had script-in-hand performances at the theatre.

His most recent play, Hector, toured the UK in 2015, ending at the Ambassadors Theatre, London.