Years ago, a man died during a bout at the boxing club where I was a member. We were all horrified by what happened, and it was strange to be part of a group - whose only commonality was sport - suddenly brought together by such an unexpected and violent event.
Some of the people involved in that fight used to train me, and watching them come to terms with what happened was to be reminded of how incredibly complex the boxer/trainer relationship is.
My time at that club, and with those people, laid the groundwork for what would become my first play, 'Cornermen'. It started out as one scene in a pub and grew into something that effectively started my career.
At every stage, 'Cornermen' was propped up by a huge number of generous and talented people who gave their time, sweat and support freely. It was a show that very much depended on the kindness of strangers.
Ten years since it first opened, a group of young actors have picked it up and brought it back to the place where it started: the Edinburgh Fringe. They run at every scene with the same energy and enthusiasm that we had the first time around, and it's a joy to see them doing it. The production and performances are brilliant, as those lovely reviews will attest.
They've raised the money, flogged the tickets, and leave buckets of sweat on stage, which, I'm fairly sure, is what the festival is all about. I'm a lucky writer to have such talented people breathing new life into some old words. Go and see them.
The dangerous edge of things...
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Some moments captured as BRACE BRACE hurtles into its final show @royalcourttheatre . Huge thanks to everyone involved for the blood, sweat and carpet burn so willingly suffered. No writer had a better team. Until next time, fasten those seatbelts.
Loved working on this play with the gorgeous dream team below.
BRACE BRACE by Oli Forsyth directed by Daniel Raggett with Phil Dunster, Craige Els, and Anjana Vasan
@royalcourttheatre
💥 CREATIVES 💥
Set Design by Anna Reid
Lighting Design by Simeon Miller
Sound Design by Paul Arditti
Video Design by Matt Powell
Casting Director: Arthur Carrington
Fight Director: Alex Payne
Movement Director: George Mann
Stage Manager: Lavinia Serban
Deputy Stage Manager: Lizzie Cooper
Though I keep this from my children --
#leavethecameraathomeKieth #itsworsethanfriggingaboutwithfilters #yourartisticambitionsmustextendbeyondthiskindofcontent #youthinkdaliwouldhavebeenhappywithacheapbitofnostalgia? #wellidontthinkhewouldbe #theywererealpeoplethen #happiertimeseh?
