Sucker Punch Tickets

Written by renowned British playwright, Roy Williams, Sucker Punch examines Britain in the early 1980s and how the system was determined to see young black men fail. The play was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Play following its premiere and won the Alfred Fagon Award in 2010.

Williams has numerous well-known staged works, that include Sing Yer Heart Out, Clubland, Fallout, Starstruck, and Baby Girl. He is undoubtedly the heavyweight champion of black playwrights in Britain, and the world of boxing acts as a metaphor to the cruel outside world of Britain in the 80s. His use of the boxing drama to illuminate tensions outside was what won him critical acclaim during the premiere of the play.

Roy Alexander Weise brilliantly captures the raw emotion and electrifying energy of the production. The fight sequences are well-choreographed, the set design is authentic, and the lighting design is stellar. In particular, manipulating the lighting to give the audience an idea of how it feels to be punched, combined with the feeling of being seated in run-down boxing makes one feel as if they are right in on the action. At the end of the performance, there is no doubt that the audience will begin to understand the appeal of the gruelling sport.

The Story

It is the year 1981 in South London. Troy and Leon are best friends who are trying to find their place in the world. With unemployment and racial discrimination at a record high, the two friends struggle to find purpose. One day, they find Charlie’s gym which trains people in the art of professional boxing. Enamoured with the sport, they decide to give it a try and begin to train in boxing. The duo finds themselves in love with the ruthless sport, and their white trainer, Charlie sees incredible potential in them.

Soon, however, Troy rebels and he is forced to leave the. He decides to move to America in search of better boxing opportunities. Will Troy and Leon continue to remain good friends despite the distance? Will fate bring them back together once more, albeit inside a boxing ring? Will the simmering racial tensions throw a wrench in Leon’s relationship with his trainer?

Good for

Fans of Political and Social Dramas | Lovers of Sport Dramas