Post show feedback from Gloves On Research and Development performances 2009
"I found it a very moving experience and I came away with a strong impression
of a very generous-spirited company (it's the first time I had come across Ragroof).
I was pleased that you had chosen boxing as your subject and was impressed with
the emotional weight that you managed to weave into the show. The recorded voices,
the performers monologues, the inclusion of the boys from the Repton club.
Anyway, it was one of those experiences that starts to haunt you after the event.
I walked home that night with the growing conviction that it would be wrong
if I didn't thank you, or didn't pay my respects to your work. "
Audience member from Paradise Gardens, London June 2010
"For those who know boxing - they will love it. For those who don’t
know boxing - it will open their eyes.”
London audience member, Wood Green
“Real boxers working out at the beginning - great energy! Fabulous, so much rich material.”
Brighton audience member.
“Really good, great to see a good audience mix”
Nikita, Brighton audience member
(Tell us one thing you liked about the performance...) “The vibrancy of the audience and performance arena. Colourful, explosive, gentle, aggressive, informative. Loved the older actor/boxer. Thought the installation really enhance the richness and prepare the audience for the performance.”
Melanie Craven, Brighton audience member.
“The atmosphere created by the performers was incredible – their energy and dedication to the performance was outstanding – to gather such an enthusiastic and rowdy response from a ‘theatre’ audience was remarkable to watch. For one who has absolutely no interest in boxing what so ever, such as me, you truly held my attention throughout. Again the performers must be commended, I could feel a collaborative spirit to the piece, it was brimming with pride which was lovely to watch.”
London audience member, Chiswick.
“I thought the show was great and loved the true integration of script and reality, true involvement of local community at all levels. I was also interested in the age levels in the performance and the personal histories.”
Ray Gibson, Brighton
Pacy, gutsy, energetic and convincing. I was surprised to find that I wanted ‘our boy’ to win.”
Rachel Papworth, Brighton
“The show itself and the tremendous performance by everyone on stage sucked in the audience. We were convinced. We were shouting support and booing and jeering... I have to see about ten theatre shows before one is engaging and convincing (in fact this is the very reason I work in circus and not theatre). But, when the magic really happens as we experienced in the Lion's Den then it is very special... A grown up and non-patronising performance that got everyone - young and old excited. I came home saying to friends that I had had a 'damn good night', and I really meant it.”
Nathan Jones ~ circus barker, London