Corporal Joe Donaldson’s suppressed sexuality finds vent only in violence, honed by his military training.
But then he meets Carl and is propelled headlong into unknown waters - the world of a celebrity boxer and infatuation with a young man whom life has taught not to trust love or commitment.
Joe’s confusion, and his violent instincts threaten to destroy them both.

Inspired by Merimée/Bizet’s Carmen, this is a love story exploring the testosterone-driven links between sex and violence. Two squaddies, both damaged by childhood abuse, embark on a desperate affair, fuelled by jealousy, anger and betrayal, where fighting and sex become inseparable.
Can they overcome their compromised understanding of physical and emotional relationships to find what they both crave, even if they have yet to recognise what that is?
Set against this troubled romance is the wry subplot of a gay celebrity boxer whose manager struggles to keep the nature - and insatiability - of his fighter’s sexual appetite under wraps.

The Plough Arts Centre​, Great Torrington
Exeter Phoenix
Royal Cornwall Museum
​STERTS, Liskeard
​St Just Old Town Hall
​St Austell Arts Theatre
​The Acorn
Drayton Arms Theatre, LONDON

September - October 2023

Toured:

The Cast:

What the Critics said:

**** 'The acting in the play was first class from all four actors'
                                                                                                                  - Fairy Powered
'the play is important. Of the moment                             - Close-up Culture

'truly a wild ride full of surprises'                                          - The Reviews Hub

'Come Out Fighting is a striking fusion of classic and contemporary musical renditions from the immortal “Carmen,” woven seamlessly into a powerful narrative that pays homage to the often-overlooked discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ soldiers. The production boasts a formidable quartet of actors who exhibit remarkable maturity in their craft, delivering a compelling and thought-provoking performance, that is a blast of fresh air for this classic opera theme'                                                    - West End Evenings

​Jacob Mellers

Carl

Kevin Johnson

Lt. Davies + Luke

Langley Howard

Joe

Luke Harding

Sgt. Lamb + Eddie

The Team:

Nick Bamford - Writer/Director

Jasmine Cole - Producer

Vicki Cox - Stage Manager

Keith Wallis - Fight Director

Pacey Jackson - Videographer

Catherine Hillier - Music

Dicky Souray - Associate Artist

Feedback from our audiences:
'A fresh, new take on Carmen, with a very current plot'
'Well done to all the cast for a brilliant show and to everyone for putting this together'
'I felt the raw emotion from the actors and in some parts quite overcome'
'The idea is amazing'
'Realistic and sensitive. Powerful. We need more like this'
'A wonderful piece brilliantly acted'
'An incredible emotional journey for characters and audience'
'Powerful and authentic'
'The acting was fantastic – the storyline was important & powerful'
'Just a totally new experience – a story I couldn’t predict'
'A remarkable and poignant piece of theatre which expressed male macho behaviours and vulnerabilities in a most authentic way.
The character depth reminded me of a Shakespearean tragic hero, or one of Thomas Hardy's characters'
'We were gripped by the play from the first scene to the final scene. The performances from the whole cast were incredible and we enjoyed every moment. Thank you for a wonderful evening.'
'Very well constructed and written. Well produced and acted.
…… engaging, involving and enjoyable'
​'Really enjoyed the whole production'
'A heartfelt performance.... ​ Not seen anything this good. EVER!'