Writer: Ishy Din
Director: Jack McNamara
You can see why Ishy Din was drawn to write about the true but incredible story of Muhammad Ali’s 1977 visit to South Shields.
The boxer crossed the ocean simply because a painter and decorator who ran a boxing club in the town asked him to. That visit made a huge impression on a young Muslim boy in nearby Middlesbrough, now associate playwright at London’s Royal Court Theatre.
The excitement and passion surrounding Ali’s brutal fights and his charismatic campaigning for social justice made him a superstar, with a huge heart.
Champion does much more than recount that historic visit, which closely followed the Queen’s. The action is centred on a mixed-race family dealing with all that life in Shields throws at them.
Mum Sheila, played by Christina Berriman Dawson, is still reeling from the death of husband Sadiq, and looking for solace in a “cheeky” mug of alcohol. Jack Robertson is bolshie older son Bilal and Daniel Zareie, in his professional debut, is the teenage brother Azeem.
The relationships between all three – and missing Sadiq – are fraught with relatable misunderstandings and confrontations. These are sometimes heralded with a boxing-style introduction from a microphone dangled from the centre of the boxing ring-like stage, which is also, appropriately, the family living room. The family love one another but the literal and figurative blows come thick and fast, inside and out.
In one memorable scene, thanks to Zareie’s talents and incredible lighting from Drummond Orr, Azeem is in one moment at a crowded gig and at the next, surrounded and fearful, despite being the only one on stage.
Live Theatre CEO and artistic director Jack McNamara directs and resists getting his trio to play multiple parts. Indeed, at one point the audience collectively become Sheila’s crowded club.
The confident and convincing performances lead a show which tackles upsetting racism head on. Indeed, be aware the play is suitable only for age 14-plus due to violence and use of strong and racist language.
Positivity comes from the show’s humour, the family’s love for one another and the interlacing of memorable quotes from Ali which the family delight in as they follow his progress to Shields. They proudly repeat his words like: “You don’t lose if you get knocked down, you lose if you stay down.”
On display at Newcastle’s Live Theatre as the play premiered were two small gloves which Ali signed for a young Shields boxer. They can usually be seen in South Shields Museum. Ali inspired a generation, despite the Queen getting all the street parties.
Runs until 8 March 2025
The Reviews Hub Score
A little belter
