Middlesbrough Born Writer Brings Muhammad Ali’s Legendary Visit to the Stage

In the summer of 1977, Muhammad Ali one of the most famous men on the planet arrived in South Shields. His visit, unexpected and extraordinary, brought the town to a standstill. Crowds lined the streets, people gathered in awe, and for a brief moment, barriers of race, class, and religion seemed to fade away.

Ali’s presence in the North East was down to Johnny Walker, a local boxing coach who had the nerve and the charm to travel to America and ask the world champion to come and support fundraising efforts for boys’ clubs in the area. Against all odds, Ali agreed, waiving his usual appearance fee so that every penny raised could go to the cause. His visit would become a defining moment for the town and the communities within it.

Now, Middlesbrough born writer Ishy Din is bringing this remarkable story to the stage with Champion, a new play at Live Theatre, Newcastle. Set against the backdrop of Ali’s visit, the drama follows a mixed-race Irish-Pakistani family as they navigate questions of identity, grief, and belonging.

For many in working-class and immigrant communities, Ali was more than just a boxer. He was a symbol of pride and resistance. At a time when racism was a harsh reality, he stood tall defiant, eloquent, and unapologetically himself. His fights weren’t just sporting spectacles; they were cultural milestones.

His visit to South Shields coincided with that of the Queen, who was touring the country for her Silver Jubilee celebrations. Yet, as locals recall, it was Ali who drew the bigger crowds. He toured the town on an open-top bus, played darts with Welsh champion Alan Evans, and had his recent marriage blessed at the local mosque. For the Muslim community, his presence was especially significant offering rare visibility and a powerful sense of validation at a time when representation was scarce.

Through Champion, Din revisits this moment in history, not just to celebrate Ali’s visit but to explore its deeper impact. The play highlights how a global figure could touch the lives of ordinary people in an overlooked corner of the country, proving that even the smallest places can be connected to something greater.

Champion is at Live Theatre, Newcastle, from 13 February to 8 March.