Beautiful Burnout, York Hall

Stunning piece of physical theatre that captures all the excitement of boxing

by Veronica LeeFriday, 17 September 2010

'Beautiful Burnout': Bryony Lavery's play captures all the excitement of boxing

It's a strange thing that boxing, that most dramatic of sports, hasn't been the subject of more plays. It has a protagonist and antagonist, the ring is a ready-made stage, and the sport has thrown up more than its fair share of larger-than-life characters. So, as with buses, when you're waiting for one to come along, two arrive in quick succession; Roy Williams's Sucker Punch, which was at the Royal Court earlier this year, and now the equally brilliant Beautiful Burnout. Comparisons are invidious, so I won't make any, other than to remark that they are two very different beasts.

Balletic choreography, driven by a pumping score by Underworld, gives a stunning physicality to the play

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