THEATRE: SUCKER PUNCH

Jul 07, 2010

PLAY: SUCKER PUNCH

Written by Roy Williams and directed by Sacha Wares, Sucker Punch is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the struggles of being black and British in the 1980s

The play is centered around Leon Davidson played by Daniel Kaluuya, who after breaking into a run down London gym with best friend Troy Augustus, played by Anthony Welsh; are made to clean toilets and mop floors. With conflicting views on race, life and values the pairs friendship soon takes a turn for the worse when on the night of the Broadwater Farm riots Leon runs away from the 'Babylon', leaving his friend to fight it out alone.

Before long Troy gives up on England and heads Stateside, leaving Leon behind. It's not too long before the gyms owner Charlie, notices the natural potential that the talented young black kid has, and soon after Leon is hailed into a boxing champion.
Tensions explode when Charlie finds out that his protégé has been sleeping with his daughter. But having already become accustomed to his fame, notoriety and money Leon hastily dumps her in return for the respect and support from his bigoted trainer and manager. Leon has become a hero to the masses, although support from his own community is lacking, as many see him as nothing more than a sell-out.

Events soon come to a head when former best friend Troy returns from America. Having found success with his boxing career himself, and clearly having lost the respect of his former friend, the two are put face to face in the ring to battle it out. As the tension mounts the audience is witnessed to an enthralling and exciting adaptation of a real life fight, and in the end there can only be one winner. Expecting Leon to win, Charlie has carelessly invested all their money into the fight, but it's Troy that comes out victorious leaving Leon left with nothing. Leon knows nothing other than boxing and in a world where he is loathed for being black but loved for being a fighter, he becomes lost...

To help create the realism of this well written and superbly acted play, the theatre has been transformed in to a boxing arena, where audience remembers are treated to ringside viewing. This play is a rich mix of dialogue and fast paced boxing, which will have you intrigued and glued from beginning to end.

VENUE: Jerwood Theatre downstairs of the Royal Court Theatre
ADDRESS: Sloane Square, London, SW1
DATE: Running until 31st July
TIME: 7:30pm or Saturday Matinee 3pm
PRICE: £10-£25
WEBSITE: www.royalcourttheatre.com