Knock-out reviews for Sucker Punch

Set against a backdrop of the Brixton and Broadwater Farm riots, Sucker Punch explores the lived experience of being young and black in 1980s Britain.

The play follows the lives of two black teenagers, Leon and Troy, in a South East London boxing gym as they grapple with friendship, love, racism, fame, family dynamics and career success.

After vying for the approval of Charlie, their trainer, Leon finally gets his big break in the boxing ring, leaving Troy to forge his own path in America.

The pair jab and uppercut through a series of their own personal obstacles, but there can only be one winner when they go face-to-face in the final round.

Speaking in rehearsals, Director Nathan Powell said: “The play is set across the 80s and that’s firmly where we’re setting it. We’re exploring the 80s in its fullest detail; the music, the fashion - all of that is a wonderful backdrop to staging this play.”

First performed in a sell-out production at London’s Royal Court – with now-Hollywood star Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Nope) in the role of Leon this tender, funny and bruising play is written by leading British dramatist Roy Williams and is thrillingly staged in a boxing ring. Nathan continued, “I think Roy is one of this country’s greatest writers; the writing is witty, smart and clever. “It’s really powerful to hear these stories about these young black men being told, and to be able to walk out of the auditorium feeling hopeful, empowered and strong, rather than just watching.”

Was £16.50, now just £10 (£5) thanks to funding from Arts Council England! Sucker Punch is playing at the Key from Thursday 11 - Friday 12 May. For tickets visit keytheatre-peterborough.com or call 01733 852 992.