12 to 20 July 2024
In the Studio

The Sweet Science of Bruising
by Joy Wilkinson

directed by Gaby Bowring & Bryony Weaver

This production contained scenes of domestic abuse, physical violence and scenes that some may find upsetting

1869. Islington, North London. Four very different women are drawn into the world of exhibition pugilism: Violet Hunter, a nurse with ambitions of becoming a doctor; Anna Lamb, an abused wife and mother for whom boxing is a way to fight back; Matilda ‘Matinee Matty’ Blackwell, who finds flashing her fists more satisfying than flashing her ankles when times are hard; and Polly Stokes, a hard-talking pit brow lass who dreams of becoming a prize fighter.
Each woman enters the ring under the instruction of ‘Professor’ Charlie Sharp, fighting each other and against the expectations of the men around them, in a battle for a better future. And, for the title of ‘Lady Boxing Champion of the World’.