The Phoenix Gym, Llanrumney, Cardiff
Wed 24
words: STEVEN GIDDEY
★★★★★
Theatre and boxing; not a combination you’d expect. More specifically, theatre performed in an actual working boxing gym. The smell of sweat and liniment hangs over the Phoenix Amateur Boxing Gym in Llanrumney as the audience files in, avoiding the punching bags dotted around the space. On the Ferris Coach ride out to the gym, producer and director James Ashton encourages us to move freely around the space and you soon see why. Alex Harries stalks the gym like a man possessed, hammering punching bags, skipping rope and running laps of the ring.
Shadow Boxing tells the tale of Flynn, a boxer following his father’s limited exploits in the ring. Early on we hear Flynn’s tales of watching his Dad fail in the ring, and as he sets out to box himself, you’re left wondering if he’s trying to impress his father, desperately trying to be better than him, or both?
Alex Harries’ performance as Flynn is nothing short of astonishing. He prowls the gym with a focused intensity, holding eye contact with the audience as boxers do. One highlight was comparing an opponent to a dog, who can’t hold eye contact and has to ask to go out for a walk. “Bang! Sit! Bang! Stay,” he screams, inches away from a member of the audience. Harries’ fitness has to be commended, too. As well as being a stage production, Shadow Boxing is also a one-hour workout. He spars, he skips rope, he does press ups, he punches. Sweat pours off him from very early on, he’s already lost a stone and a half in rehearsals and by the end of its run he will have lost the same again.
I would have loved to know more about the breakdown of the father/son relationship which is glazed over quickly, but this is the source material and not the direction. James Ashton has clearly immersed himself in this piece, and by bringing it into a gym and away from the theatre he’s put a unique spin on the script which is deeply rewarding.
Dealing with the complex issues of sport, masculinity and homosexuality, Shadow Boxing leaves you exhausted, this is an absorbing production from an exciting new company who you haven’t heard the last of. Ashton and Harries take you 10 rounds with Flynn and when you emerge after the final bell you know you’ve seen something really special.
Shadow Boxing continues until Saturday
Tickets: £8-£12. Info: 029 2030 4400 / www.chapter.org