Sucker Punch by Roy Williams - ★★★★☆
Two best friends and a boxing ring. A Yank and a Brit, battling for the title on who gets the last laugh, ultimately to the demise of their friendship.
It’s the 1980’s in England and the political unrest coupled with the resistance against racial tensions and police brutality set the scene in Roy Williams Sucker Punch. Set in a South London gym, we meet owner Charlie, (Liam Smith) a belligerent Thatcherite, who holds on dearly to his outdated accomplishments whilst trying to build the new face of boxing. The play opens with Charlie coaching Tommy (John Rogers), whilst Leon the conformist, (Shem Hamilton) and Troy the eccentric (Christian Alifoe) walk in to pay their dues for a crime they committed.
Very quickly, Charlie notices the talent of the two teenagers and under his apprenticeship Leon becomes a major contender going forward to win Olympic, British and European title belts. As his career flourishes, he is accused of being overly submissive to the White man, an ‘Uncle Tom’ in ways, and this affects and fractures his friendship with his best friend Troy. On the other hand, Troy is hot tempered and doesn't get on with the law; when he reaches a crossroad with Leon, Troy decides to depart to Detroit to make a life for himself, disappearing until he returns to the ring to face his best friend.
As the play moves forward, we are introduced to other characters who take on their role headstrong in highlighting some of the key themes Williams wants to present in this play. We meet Becky (Poppy Winter) who is Leon's secret lover and Charlie's daughter. Squid (Wayne Rollins), the biggest gambler in South London and Leon's father and lastly Ray (Ray Strasser-King), the Yank that changed Troy's life. Being a Black man in the 80’s was difficult to say the least. Navigating choices on romance, identity and belonging whilst living in a nation in which people were openly and confidently racist.
With Nathan Powells direction, the cast all individually deliver on the essence of their roles, with great use of space and incredibly smooth transitions. In addition, the casting for Squid and Charlie was incredibly spot on as both actors were engaging and a perfect reflection of their characters; with Squid ensuring the audience were filled with belly laughs.
Sandra Falase’s exceptional set and Joshie Harriette’s light work added to this body of work in an exceptional way, adding colour and drama to various scenes.
Towards the very end of the play we seem to reach a climax that ends up falling flat and losing momentum, with the ending feeling a little abrupt we assume that there is a story in the flat lines.
Sucker Punch is a fun and refreshing watch that will force you to connect with all characters on an emotional level and will engage you on a journey of sympathy with them. Roy Williams writes for the heart, but also the head, ensuring you leave the play questioning England’s history and challenging you to explore the changes that have been made.
Sucker Punch is showing at Queens Theatre until 15 April.
