The Sweet Science of Bruising is a fiery play that delves into the world of women’s boxing in Victorian society. The play was originally written by Joy Wilkinson, an established writer, with credits on Doctors, Casualty, and Doctor Who. Her play premiered at Southwark Playhouse in October 2018 and has since been produced in various other theatres.
Set in 1869 London, the play follows Violet, Anna, Matty, and Polly, four women from very different walks of life who collide in their shared drive to become the world's first female boxing champion. They are drawn into the dark underground world of female boxing by the eccentric Professor Sharp.
The setting of the studio at Questors Theatre worked perfectly with this production, as the intimate venue made the boxing scenes feel even more enclosed and created anintense dynamic between the characters with the limited space. It also allowed the use of lighting to be prominent in the smaller room, compared to if it had been in the playhouse. The melodramatic, choreographed boxing matches added to the drama, too; the acting was very impressive, especially during those scenes. It felt like you really got to know and empathise with each character.
Even though the play is set in the Victorian period, the themes displayed are still very much relevant to its modern audience - class, women in sport, competition between women, and how women are treated in the media and general society. It is a sharp, powerful play, fuelled with drama and suspense. While at times, some scenes felt drawn out, and perhaps a bigger space in some ways could have benefited in adding to the drama and setting, for an amateur production, it was well done and thoroughly entertaining.
The play ends to show the woman realising that the fight they are having isn’t really with each other, it is against inequality, and the fight to be seen and respected. This production definitely leaves you wondering up to the final part, who will win?
The Sweet Science of Bruising is playing at Questors Theatre until 2nd May 2026.
Review: Cara-Louise Scott-Lapish