(seen at the afternoon performance on 6th March 2025)
Chloe Jackson has channelled her aggression at the divorce of her parents into boxing. Now she is one qualifying bout away from a place in Team GB at the 2012 Stratford Olympics. Even better, she lives in Leytonstone, the Games are just up the road.
A few weeks before her crucial bout, her life falls apart. Her reactions are chronicled in Charlie Josephine’s unfailingly direct, intelligent and beautifully crafted 50-minute play.
From hilarious opening monologue to the final bell, Jodie Campbell as Chloe holds us wrapt. Addressing us directly, or stylising a conversation with invisible trainers, councillors, friends, parents, she is witty, deep and honest.
Hazel Low uses the stage of Watford Palace Theatre (surprisingly shallow wings, decent flying space) as a studio space, fitting perfectly into it a boxing ring and our ringside audience seats.
The slightly grimy atmosphere is lit from above and one side by two banks of lights (Jessie Addinall). Fading, highlighting elation and desolation, a tricky environment is made to seem surprisingly easy to illuminate. Mwen adds music to ramp tension or simply sell the club sequences.
Special note goes to Mateus Daniel for movement. Director Prime Issac notes the input of real-life boxing coach Saud Hafiz. Daniel turns this into realistic stage action, with two ring-walk struts of very different meanings. Combined with Issac's unfailingly thoughtful work on text and delivery, there is never a drop in tension.
If there is a fault, Campbell’s sparring jab leaves space to drive a bus between her elbows and body, but perhaps it is part of the plot... and how many theatregoers (monkey aside) are as keen on both theatre and boxing, anyway, to notice?
A celebration of Black, Queer female sporting achievement, encased in an outstandingly well-told naturalistic story, delivered by a hugely talented performer and superb creative team.
This has received only a very short run at Watford Palace Theatre. It is the sort of work the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs should be importing to reach a wider audience. The monkey hopes sincerely it will have a longer life, meanwhile it will certainly be looking for future pieces from this team – and recommends you do so as well.
One knockout production.
5 stars, standing ovation given.