SOUTHEND DRAMA SOCIETY
present
THE SWEET SCIENCE OF BRUISING
by Joy Wilkinson
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Wednesday 20th May to Saturday 23rd May 2026
present
THE SWEET SCIENCE OF BRUISING
by Joy Wilkinson
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
Wednesday 20th May to Saturday 23rd May 2026
This year, Southend Drama Society is celebrating 80 years of producing local amateur theatre. As part of this celebration, Southend Drama Society is putting on a production of The Sweet Science of Bruising by Joy Wilkinson.
It is an unsettling mix of self-discovery and violence, which challenges traditional ideas about what women should be and what they should do. Set in 1890’s London four very different Victorian women, controlled by men and constrained by attitudes, are drawn into the dark underground world of female boxing.
The play explores themes of freedom, abuse, ambition, and female solidarity. As their lives begin to intertwine, their journey takes us to where the women fight inequality as well as each other. But with the final showdown approaching, only one can become the Lady Boxing Champion of the World.
The play blends historical reality (inspired by true women's boxing) with powerful drama. It features physical theatre, intense fight scenes, and strong female roles, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. It resonates with modern audiences by showing timeless struggles against oppression.
The performances are from Wednesday 20th May to Saturday 23rd May at the Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre. Nightly at 7.30pm with an additional Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Ticket prices are £16 concession and £18 full price.
To book tickets telephone the box office on 0343 310 0030 or book on line at https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/other/the-sweet-science-of-bruising-tickets.
The production’s director: Peter Nawrat
It is an unsettling mix of self-discovery and violence, which challenges traditional ideas about what women should be and what they should do. Set in 1890’s London four very different Victorian women, controlled by men and constrained by attitudes, are drawn into the dark underground world of female boxing.
The play explores themes of freedom, abuse, ambition, and female solidarity. As their lives begin to intertwine, their journey takes us to where the women fight inequality as well as each other. But with the final showdown approaching, only one can become the Lady Boxing Champion of the World.
The play blends historical reality (inspired by true women's boxing) with powerful drama. It features physical theatre, intense fight scenes, and strong female roles, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. It resonates with modern audiences by showing timeless struggles against oppression.
The performances are from Wednesday 20th May to Saturday 23rd May at the Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre. Nightly at 7.30pm with an additional Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Ticket prices are £16 concession and £18 full price.
To book tickets telephone the box office on 0343 310 0030 or book on line at https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/other/the-sweet-science-of-bruising-tickets.
The production’s director: Peter Nawrat