🎭 Bitch Boxer
📍Arcola Theatre
🎟️Gifted
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Charlie Josephine’s smash hit play returns to London following a critically-acclaimed run at Watford Palace Theatre last year.
The story
The play takes place in 2012 London, ahead of the London Olympics in Stratford, where we meet aspiring boxer, Chloe Jackson (wonderfully played by Jodie Campbell). 2012 is a pivotal year in sports – women were finally allowed to compete in the Olympic boxing ring! It’s a triumphant moment for Chloe as it’s an opportunity she’s been training for her whole life.
Chloe speaks fondly about her father, his constant support, and the bond they share over boxing. When he suddenly passes away, Chloe puts her entire focus into boxing, rather than allowing herself to mourn. She’s convinced that showing vulnerability may cost her the dream she and her father shared.
The play explores grief, ambitions, love and societal expectations. Chloe goes through a rigorous training schedule, a new relationship and the loss of her father. All while balancing the pressure of this Olympic dream.
My thoughts
From the moment she steps on stage, Jodie Campbell captivates the entire room. The opening monologue carries a fun, charismatic energy that immediately commands our attention. Paired with Campbell’s brilliant comic delivery and conversational storytelling, it genuinely felt like we were listening to a friend. She showcases an impressive versatility, seamlessly shifting between characters, from her girlfriend, to her coach. Chloe feels like a character we all know – playful, confident, swears a lot, and seems like a great person to go clubbing with!
It’s interesting to learn that Chloe didn’t cry at her father’s funeral, and while we all grieve differently, in Chloe’s case, it’s feels as though she must prove that she is tough. Behind the bravado, there is a softer side to Chloe, which we see when she’s with her girlfriend, Jamie, who even says, “I like when you’re ill, because you let your guard down”.
Directed by Prime Isaac, the production maintains high momentum and tension throughout. Campbell utilises the entire stage (designed by Hazel Low), circling the boxing ring, and ducking in and out of the ropes. Isaac’s direction also maximises the lighting and sound design, which elevates the storytelling.
Mwen’s sound design transports us between training gyms, nightclubs (shoutout to the nostalgic playlist!) and boxing matches, while Jessie Addinall’s lighting transitions are so precise! Whether it was capturing the intense fight scenes or Chloe’s moments of reflection, the lighting was perfectly in sync with the story.
Mateus Daniel’s movement direction was incredible, particularly for showcasing authentic boxing techniques. Campbell’s jabs, hooks and uppercuts are sharply choreographed, her physicality poised and convincing. We became spectators, cheering her on.
Charlie Josephine balances humour with an exploration of the pressures Chloe, a young Black queer woman, faces. The show sparks an interesting discussion – how should we mourn? Who is allowed to be seen as fragile? Chloe’s reluctance to show vulnerability feels rooted in the expectations placed on her identity. Society tends to expect strength or resilience from Black women in particular, often denying them the space to be vulnerable, or, in this story, publicly mourn.
Overall, Bitch Boxer is funny, intense and unique exploration into loss, ambition and the pressure to remain strong. This production boasts a fantastic creative team and a standout performance by Jodie Campbell – it’s not one to miss!
English