The poetry of boxing
14/05/26 11:59
revisiting a multimedia production
directing
Flyweight
live literature
Following a preview tour last Summer, a few extra dates are planned for performances of the recently created multimedia production, Flyweight, written by award-winning poet Maggie Sawkins with audio/visual sequences by digital artist Matt Parsons, directed by myself.
Flyweight is a poetic exploration of boxing, sibling rivalry and what it means to be human. With a particular focus on female boxing and wonderful video contributions from boxers at the Heart of Portsmouth Boxing Academy, the piece is an entertaining and witty piece of live literature that is warmly received by audiences wherever it's performed. Planned dates below.
"Flyweight is terrific - so original and engaging, mining a deep socio-political scene from aristo poets to working class girls and Black Lives Matter, and full of delightful surprises, visually and poetically.” (Writer, Naomi Foyle)
"Fabulous … enlightening, engaging, amusing … invites us to imagine ourselves as different people, able to duck and weave with the greatest." (Will Sutton, online review)
"Sure packs a punch." (Audience feedback)
Women sparring at Heart of Portsmouth Boxing Academy. Still from a video by Matt Parsons.
Three performances
19 May - Portsmouth: Square Tower. Details here »
21 May - Ryde, Isle of Wight: Department. Details here »
28 May - Lewes: Westgate Chapel. Details here »
Lord Byron in his boxing gloves. One of many images created for the production by digital artist Matt Parsons.
Performance at Komedia Studio, Brighton, July 2025. Photo by Janet Ayers.
directing
Flyweight
live literature
Following a preview tour last Summer, a few extra dates are planned for performances of the recently created multimedia production, Flyweight, written by award-winning poet Maggie Sawkins with audio/visual sequences by digital artist Matt Parsons, directed by myself.
Flyweight is a poetic exploration of boxing, sibling rivalry and what it means to be human. With a particular focus on female boxing and wonderful video contributions from boxers at the Heart of Portsmouth Boxing Academy, the piece is an entertaining and witty piece of live literature that is warmly received by audiences wherever it's performed. Planned dates below.
"Flyweight is terrific - so original and engaging, mining a deep socio-political scene from aristo poets to working class girls and Black Lives Matter, and full of delightful surprises, visually and poetically.” (Writer, Naomi Foyle)
"Fabulous … enlightening, engaging, amusing … invites us to imagine ourselves as different people, able to duck and weave with the greatest." (Will Sutton, online review)
"Sure packs a punch." (Audience feedback)
Women sparring at Heart of Portsmouth Boxing Academy. Still from a video by Matt Parsons.
Three performances
19 May - Portsmouth: Square Tower. Details here »
21 May - Ryde, Isle of Wight: Department. Details here »
28 May - Lewes: Westgate Chapel. Details here »
Lord Byron in his boxing gloves. One of many images created for the production by digital artist Matt Parsons.
Performance at Komedia Studio, Brighton, July 2025. Photo by Janet Ayers.