Against all expectation, Tayo Aluko excels in this task.

Beginning with an elderly Robeson looking back over his life, Aluko captures the spirit, warmth and dignity of his subject.

He plays Robeson as the unique young athlete at college in the US overcoming extreme racism, as the singer and performer who achieves stardom in the 1920s and as the young man embracing a world socialist perspective after witnessing Welsh hunger marchers in London in 1929.

His political outlook was enhanced in the 1930s when he lived both in London and the Soviet Union and when he performed for republican soldiers in Spain.

Aluko emphasises Robeson's understanding of pan-African ideas and his huge popularity in Britain on stage, films and radio in these years.

Despite the several affairs Robeson had, Aluko portrays his marriage to his talented and politically active wife Eslanda - who guided his career - with candour and honesty.

He vividly shows the choice Robeson made when he boldly and unflinchingly took the decision to use his public appearances to demand an end to racism and call for world peace and justice.

Denounced as a communist and traitor in his homeland, denied the use of his passport and under CIA investigation, the '50s were very harsh years which saw a deterioration in Robeson's health.

Yet despite the pressures, he never renounced his socialist views.

Aluko powerfully portrays Robeson speaking against his McCarthyite persecutors and eventually winning back his right to travel the world to sing to his adoring audiences.

This brilliant performance is also the brainchild of Aluko who spoke unashamedly of his admiration for Robeson in the question-and-answer session after the performance.

Congratulations are due also to Theatro Technis for giving us the opportunity to see the life of a truly great man portrayed so remarkably well.

Runs until January 23, box office: (0207) 387-6617, then touring nationally, details: www.callmrrobeson.com