Race to get to the front row of this charming and precision-sculptured two-hander. You’ll enjoy the show from the back row too, but up close you’ll see the twinkling footwork of two performers enjoying themselves tremendously.
Trick Boxing is the story of a sting in the seedy world of American boxing. Naïve Daniel Danielovic is picked off the streets by huckster Bond, who needs to provide a fall guy in a prize fight. All of the male parts are played by Brian Sostek and he is simply brilliant.
Lightning fast changes of physicality and tone make all the parts not only razor sharp and distinct, but human as well. Even the grotesque fight arranger – whose appearance is so shockingly different it’s hard to believe there’s no trickery involved – is a believable character rather than a cardboard cutout.
As the story starts to weave around this central trio, the pacy intrigue of the sting is underscored by a gentle exploration of the nature of subjective time – for innocent Danny, time really does go slower when he enjoys himself, and faster when he doesn’t.
Things are complicated by the influence the sole female character, Bella (Megan McClellan). For most of the show she provides seamless and selfless backup to Brian’s central powerhouse, but as the plot unfolds she shines in a series of intrinsic dance interludes with Danny. Impeccably choreographed, these routines are moreover performed with an infectious relish that will win over the most ardent dance-phobic. The synergy between them is just beautiful to watch.
All this and puppets too. A delight from start to end.
5/5
Hugh Jones