As All Blood Runs Red prepares to take to the stage at The Key Theatre on 25th & 26th February, we sit down with Tyrone Huggins, the director of this powerful production, to discuss his journey with the show, his long-standing connection with imitating the dog, and the importance of telling Eugene Bullard’s extraordinary story.
You’re going to be in Leeds making this piece. How are you feeling about that?
It’s very exciting. I studied at Leeds University, performed at the old West Yorkshire Playhouse, and spent many years on the board of Phoenix Dance Theatre. I was also part of the Geraldine Connor Foundation, so in many ways, Leeds feels like my second home.
Given that imitating the dog already has three artistic directors, how and why have they brought you on board?
I’ve known Pete Brooks and Andrew Quick for a long time. I actually co-founded a theatre company, Impact Theatre, with Pete in Leeds, and I did some set building for Andrew back when he had a company of his own. When they began working on All Blood Runs Red, they felt they needed an outside director—particularly a Black director—to help shape the story. I also think they knew that I have experience stepping into a company of established artists without shaking things up too much.
Is the way imitating the dog makes theatre something that appeals to you?
Very much so. When I started out in theatre, first as a kid doing school plays and then launching Impact Theatre, I realised there were different ways of making theatre. That has always stayed with me. I’d say around two-thirds of my work is focused on new productions, where I can bring fresh techniques and innovative storytelling into the process.
What attracted you to this project?
I hadn’t worked with Pete since 1985, so reconnecting was something I looked forward to when the invitation came through. Then, when I began looking deeper into the Eugene Bullard story, I thought, Wow, this is extraordinary. His life is almost too incredible to believe, and yet it’s a true story. But what makes All Blood Runs Red so compelling is that we’re not just telling Bullard’s story—we’re also weaving in the journey of Morgan Bailey, our sole performer, and the character he played in a French film.
It’s a very particular kind of company—what is it like to join as an outside director?
I have a good idea of imitating the dog’s artistic approach—I’ve seen about five of their productions over the years. When I joined this project, I told them, “I’m here to bend what you do without breaking it.” My job is to gently disrupt their usual process, to see what I can create with all the elements in the room. I’m really excited to work with Morgan, too. I know what it’s like to perform a solo show, having done it myself, and I hope to bring that understanding into the rehearsal room.
Why was it important to have a Black director for this story?
Because of the specificity of the story. Morgan isn’t just telling Eugene Bullard’s story—he’s also speaking about experiences that affect him personally as a Black actor. He’s from a different generation than me, but I understand what he’s expressing.
Over the years, I’ve worked extensively on cultural diversity in theatre, with the Arts Council and organisations like Phoenix Dance Theatre. I know that when you try to articulate certain experiences in a room full of people who haven’t lived them, you can sometimes be more cautious about what you say. That’s why I’m looking forward to supporting Morgan—he’s spoken about how exposed he feels in this process, but having a director who understands where he’s coming from gives him an added layer of security.
Don’t Miss All Blood Runs Red at The Key Theatre
This gripping production, blending history, personal storytelling, and dynamic stagecraft, arrives at The Key Theatre for two nights only, on 25th & 26th February. This is a rare opportunity to witness the incredible true story of Eugene Bullard brought to life through a powerful solo performance by Morgan Bailey.
For more information and to book tickets, visit The event page or call the box office on 01733 852992.