Theatre: The Bridgetower Sonata, at St Giles’ Cripplegate

On 11 October 2024 a theatrical performance will take place at St Giles’ Cripplegate Church in London marking the 246th birthday of George Bridgetower, the African-European virtuoso violinist for whom Ludwig van Beethoven wrote his “Violin Sonata no. 9” — generally known as “The Kreutzer Sonata”. Together they premiered the piece in Vienna in 1803.

But after a row with the composer, Bridgetower came to live in England, where he acquired a degree in music at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and became a member of the Philharmonic Society. He died in Peckham in 1860, aged around 80, and is buried in Kensal Green cemetery. 

Though Bridgetower never won fame or fortune, he did leave behind two Stradivarius violins, and a set of musical glasses, which raised £1,000 at auction.

Today his story is slowly being reclaimed. There is now a blue plaque on the site where he used to live in Peckham; and earlier this year he was featured in the exhibition “Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music” at the British Library. 

“The Bridgetower Sonata” gives us a glimpse into the creative but short-lived relationship which blossomed between Bridgetower and Beethoven — and a taste of the wonderful music which grew out of it.

Written by Fitzrovia resident Sue Blundell, the play stars Ben Scheck as George Bridgetower, Lloyd Morris as Ludwig van Beethoven, Matthew Coulton as Ferdinand Ries (a pupil of Ludwig van Beethoven), and features Gavin Roberts on piano and Jamal Hope on violin.

Shipshape Theatre Presents: The Bridgetower Sonata, at St Giles Cripplegate’, Fore Street, London EC2Y 8DA on Friday 11 October 2024. Performance lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Tickets are priced £12 on the door or via Eventbrite. Wine and platters available at the venue from 7.00 pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm.