Lasting through six rounds of plot in The Royale is far from being too much of a match. A packed audience squeezes in to The Tabernacle, a grade III listed former church which only enhances the atmosphere. We meet Jay ‘The Sport’ Jackson as he readies himself for his conquest to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, despite coming up against a tide of white-supremacist attitudes in early twentieth-century America.
Although I am somewhat dense to the sport of boxing, it’s no shock that The Royale is certainly impressive. The unique choreography, particularly in the fight scenes, are just spectacular; they are perfectly timed and the cast work so well with each other to develop their movements to complement each other. The decision to have the boxers not facing each other throughout their fights work incredibly well. This is such a bold choice, but being implemented by the writer himself, it’s clear that he had an image in his head that he wanted the actors to replicate, and they do just this. Despite not fighting face to face, rather facing the audience at different sides and angles, allows us in the audience to engage with the character and have a closer experience. It was the mark of a true theatrical genius and the actors credited Marco Ramirez’s image.
The fight scenes particularly were beautifully punctuated by claps, yells, and stomps throughout. The interspersing of this rich soundscape with scraps of dialogue created such an animalistic tension in the room that both actors and audience can feed off.
Particularly enjoyable is the character of Fish, played by Martins Imhanbe, whose interpretation of the young and talented, yet inexperienced, boxer who joins Jay’s team to help him prepare for the big fight ahead is really believable. His concentration throughout the first scene in particular is really touching, as you can see in Imhanbe’s eyes just how committed he is to winning this fight. His dramatization of his final scene is absolutely heart breaking as we watch him grow in maturity throughout the piece.
As Jay comes to terms with the fact that his decisions will possibly affect the African American community in many negative ways, including those he loves, the play brings the harsh reality of the oppression that people of colour experience to life. Nicholas Pinnock offers a knockout performance that drags you through highs and lows; its dramatic blows being unavoidable. It’s a piece that’ll certainly hit you, but you certainly won’t leave disappointed.
The Royale is playing The Tabernacle at the Bush Theatre until November 26.
Photo: Helen Murray
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