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'Cornermen'
by Smoke & Oakum Theatretheatre
A fascinating look behind the scenes of the boxing industry.
about the production
Mickey and his team of cornermen never have much luck in the boxing world. The fighters they manage always end up loosing and, after a disastrous last outing, no one wants to work with them. Until they sign a young boxer whose winning ways catapult them into a world of success they’ve never had before. However, you can’t win all the time and soon Mickey must choose between the life he’s enjoying, and the wellbeing of his young charge. Both tragic and funny, 'Cornermen' has been published by Nick Hern Books and has played at venues all over the UK.
about the artist
Smoke & Oakum Theatre is an award-winning new writing company established by Artistic Director, Oli Forsyth. In our short time as a company we have produced six shows, seen three of them published, been welcomed on the New Diorama Theatre's Emerging Artists Programme and have won awards and great critical acclaim. Our work covers a wide range of topics, from boxing to rave culture, but all with the same humour and quick-fire dialogue that has become synonymous with Smoke & Oakum, leading David Byrne (AD of New Diorama Theatre) to describe us as "One of the best new companies around".
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stage dimensions
width: 4 metres
height: 2 metres
depth: 4 metres
4 lanterns, 1 spot, gels.
The important thing to mention about 'Cornermen' is that, while it is a play about boxing, there is no fighting in it. As a result this is a show for anyone remotely interested in the mentality behind sportspeople and their management and especially for non-traditional audiences. In terms of language it's probably not suitable for anyone under 14 and the fast paces, Godber-esque style of the piece might turn off some more classical audiences, but the positive responses we've had have overwhelmingly come from people who have no interest in boxing, but who simply loved the characters and the story.
'Thrilling...a striking new play by an exciting new writer'
'Cornermen' is a right-hook out of nowhere, a real knockout'
'If you're faintly intrigued by the nature of human triumph, ambition, self-doubt, and pride, you'll be floored Cornermen.'
We've had performances of 'Cornermen' with access patrons and are more than happy to accommodate relaxed performances. There are no loud bangs or strobe lights in the show, only some raised voices and one party scene with a bit of music.
The tour will involve the Artistic Director, Writer and a company of actors so we are happy to do workshops around the performances, whether that be an acting class for school kids or a producing workshop for local companies. Each workshop is £150 and can involve as many of the company as needed.
We're need to take £600 a show but, as this is a long tour, there is room to negotiate the price. We're happy to work out matinee shows or guarantees followed by a split to mitigate some of the risk. For more information please view the touring pack attached.
