Award-winning Children’s Author, Oliver Sykes, comes to The Met with his smash-hit family show Alfie’s First Fight following a 2022 sell-out national tour.
Inspired by his own experiences growing up without a mum and being coached as an amateur boxer by his dad, Alfie’s First Fight centres itself around shy twelve-year-old Alfie, as he decides to go in search of his missing older brother, Jacob, when he disappears moments before an all-important boxing match…
On the surface, it’s a simple adventure story. Think crime-thriller meets Rocky Balboa! But it’s also about love, loss, family and learning how to fight for what you want.
Featuring boxing action, surprising plot twists, compelling characters and an inspiring boy-hero, this funny and heart-warming show is guaranteed to pack a punch.
With phenomenal critical acclaim and high praise from some of the biggest names in boxing, Oliver is fast establishing himself as one of the most exciting rising stars in children’s theatre and literature.
Cast and Creative Team: Written and performed by Oliver Sykes; Directed by Dominic Berry (a.k.a. Dommy B).
Alfie’s First Fight is supported by Manchester Libraries, Manchester City Council, Read Manchester, Stories Of Care, Manchester Children’s Book Festival and Z-Arts, and developed/touring using public funding by Arts Council England.
Dates & Times
The Box @ The Met
£9 (inc fees)
For children (aged 5+) and their grown-ups.
Duration 55 minutes (no interval)
Reviews
“'A thrilling children’s adventure full of heart and ebullience, Alfie’s First Fight isn’t just an amazing story about boxing: it’s about love, loss, family and how to fight for what you want; a must-read for any plucky youngster.”
Sophie Willan, Multi-BAFTA-winning Actress, Writer & Care Leaver
“'Written with warmth and passion, Alfie’s First Fight is a positive and gripping story for kids about a young man and his journey into the world of boxing. With highs and lows along the way, it captures the true drama of the boxing ring.”
Ricky Hatton MBE, Former-World Boxing Champion
“It's so rare to come across a working-class narrative that portrays a single father raising his children. Alfie's First Fight is not just about the struggles of a young man approaching his first fight in the ring, but the wider battle for the working class of being validated, accepted and taking their place in society.”
Alex Wheatle MBE
“This punchy, action-packed story had me hooked! It’s David and Goliath with boxing gloves!”
Jenny Moore
“Edge-of-your-seat storytelling!”
Manchester Libraries
Alfie’s First Fight
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