Ali Muhammad

Muhammad Ali visited South Shields on Saturday 16^th July 1977 at the request of Johnny Walker a local painter and decorator and boxing enthusiast.

Ali at the Market (Mudditt, South Tyneside Libraries)

Ali in Ocean Road (Mudditt, South Tyneside Libraries)

Ali at Gypsies Green (Mudditt, South Tyneside Libraries)

Ali having his wedding blessed (Mudditt, South Tyneside Libraries)

Ali at the Al Azhar Mosque (Mudditt, South Tyneside Libraries)

“Champion” – Ishy Din – Little Theatre – Newcastle 13 February to 8 March 2025

Ali’s visit to South Shields in 1977 made such an impact that nearly 50 years later the playwright Ishy Din immediately chose it as the story for a new play!

“When Live Theatre approached me to write a play for its main stage my mind immediately went to Muhammad Ali’s 1977 visit to South Shields. It was the only place I could see this story being told and I hope I honour not only the great man himself, but the South Shields community that embraced him.” (Ishy Din 2025)

Stage for “Champion” at the Live Theatre (Terry Ford)

The cast of “Champions” (Von Fox Promotions)

The Mayor of South Tyneside Fay Cunningham (right) at the Live Theatre 18/02/2025 (Terry Ford)

Sources:
Ishy Din
Terry Ford

Photos:
South Tyneside Libraries (photographer Freddie Mudditt)
Terry Ford
Von Fox Promotions for the Live Theatre