On the night when boxing fans fled to London’s O2 Arena to see Anthony Joshua trying to reignite his heavyweight career, the Queens Theatre in Hornchurch was also the home of a thrilling night of theatrical boxing.

Sucker Punch by leading British dramatist Roy Williams is a relevant, hard-hitting and comical look at being young and black in the 1980s. It first opened at London’s Royal Court in 2010, and this revival by Theatre Nation Partnerships and produced by the Queens Theatre, is a ‘knock out’ production.

We follow the story of two young teenagers Leon & Troy, played truthfully and energetically by Shem Hamilton and Christian Alifoe, who, trained by Charlie (Liam Smith), in his south London gym, go on to win British and European title belts. Troy leaves for America and is taken on by new promoter Ray (Ray Strasser-King) but eventually things go full-circle and Troy & Leon are reunited and pitted against each other for a winner-takes-all showdown fight.

Sandra Falase’s set design ensures a boxing ring is always the centre of the action. Nathan Powell’s direction keeps the energy and adrenaline flowing throughout which ties beautifully with Duramaney Kamara’s impressive sound design. Monologues and certain characters’ lines echoing and reverbing around the whole auditorium is an electric injection of pace and power.

Alifoe and Hamilton give lively and natural performances – credit especially to Hamilton for delivering one speech whilst skipping with skipping rope. Strasser-King is powerful and commanding as the influential Ray and Liam Smith gives us a real, dominant and compelling Charlie, who is pivotal throughout. Although it’s Wayne Rollins as Squid (Leon’s father) who gives one of the most impressive performances of the night. He rinses every comic moment for what it’s worth and gives the audience light relief to a sometimes hard-hitting storyline. A joy to watch and a breath of fresh air whenever he enters the action. He too attempts a speech whilst skipping to much aplomb and encouragement from the audience!

A mention must also go to Gary Cooke who is the production’s Boxing Coach. From the moment you take your seat, characters warm up in the ring – impressive sparring and energy from John Rogers as Tommy makes you forget if you’re watching an actor or a boxer at times. Together with Enric Ortuño’s fight direction, the movement and choreography of the piece really is a sight to behold.

Overall, it’s a relevant, enjoyable and spirited piece with Roy Williams’ authentic dialogue and realism blended nicely with humour and wit. After Hornchurch, it tours to prestigious venues such as Leicester Curve, Theatre Royal Wakefield and Wolverhampton Grand so be sure to get a ticket to this punchy production.