Boxers and actors unite to tell the story of US fighter Tom Molineaux at The Woodville in Gravesend
00:00, 30 April 2017
Boxing and theatre does not sound like the most natural of combinations, but one man is intent on uniting the actors and fighters of Gravesend as part of a new production at The Woodville.
Writer Tom Green’s latest work is inspired by the life of Tom Molineaux, a slave-turned-boxer who travelled to London in 1810 after beating all before him during bouts in New York City.
He also came to Kent for a fight in Margate, and more than 20,000 people watched him go up against English champion Tom Cribb on two occasions.
Mr Green said: “Tom Molineaux’s story is hidden history that most people don’t know about.
“A freed slave, he came to England to fight against the best boxers he could find. Though he faced prejudice from some, he was a hero to others and showed incredible courage and resilience.”
He died in Galway in 1818 at the age of just 34, but Mr Green is determined to ensure that he is not forgotten and wants more people to learn of his journey.
The show – also called Tom Molineaux – comes to Gravesend next month and Mr Green wants to work alongside local boxing clubs to make it as authentic as possible.
He said: “I’ve linked up with the boxing club in Gravesend to learn about the sport – what it takes to fight, what it feels like to win, and what it feels like to lose.
“Boxing clubs have quite diverse memberships, but most of these people are not people who normally go to the theatre, so because it’s a play about boxing it seems like a good opportunity to get them involved.
“Rather than just give them free tickets and ask them to come along because the play’s about boxing, we want to go a bit further than that.
"We want to involve them with the story and the production. We also want to share the work boxing clubs are doing with young people who are often from the tougher parts of their town. Theatre, like boxing, can be for everyone, no matter what your background.”
Tom Molineaux will be at The Woodville at 8pm on Tuesday, May 23.
You can book online at woodville.seatlive.com or by calling 01474 337459.
Tickets start at £11.
