A riveting drama inspired by the true story of Frankie Lucas, a young black boxer navigating the vibrant yet challenging world of 1970s London.
At the heart of the play, we witness Frankie winning the National ABA middleweight title twice and follow his dreams of sporting glory. But his astonishing rise is far from straightforward.
When the path to representing England at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games is blocked, Frankie turns to his roots, competing for the island of St. Vincent as he confronts the intricate politics of boxing, the weight of his ambitions, and the pressing needs of his family. Amidst these trials, Frankie’s spirit is tested to the limit as his sheer will and determination leads Frankie to a triumph that redefines both his career and his legacy.
His story delves deep into themes of identity, belonging, and the meaning of success.
Going for Gold explores the profound questions of what we fight for and what we hold onto. This powerful narrative invites audiences to reflect on the meaning of home, the bonds of family, the enduring spirit of perseverance and what we leave behind.
Tinashe Darikwa will perform the role of Frankie Lucas every Monday and Saturday matinee.
In the press
Winner of 3 Black British Theatre Awards 2023
Best Production Play, Best Male Lead Actor in a Play for Jazz Lintott and Best Producer
★★★★★ ‘Going for Gold will take you back to a forgotten time in boxing and introduce you to the greatest fighter you never heard of – it is some journey’
The Independent
★★★★★ ‘The impact of a first round KO’
The Sun
★★★★★ ‘Sharp and thoughtful… a night of knock out punches’
West End Best Friend
★★★★★ ‘The true champions were on the stage, working hard to tell this poignant tale’
Southwark News
★★★★ ‘A gripping and heartfelt true story about a boxer who was forgotten by history’
Spy in the Stalls
★★★★ ‘Rewarding and thought-provoking… often gritty, sometimes funny and always credible’
Broadway World
★★★★ ‘Well-researched and well-performed… an assured, balanced and nuanced play’
LondonTheatre1
★★★★ ‘The cast, writing and direction are absolutely brilliant… certainly packs a punch’
Theatre & Tonic
★★★★ ‘Exciting and fast-paced… An underdog sports drama with heart and grit’
A Young(ish) Perspective
‘Brings an arcane and neglected chapter of recent sporting and social history – and a unique character – back to vivid life’
The Standard
Rehearsal trailer
Cast
GENE | LLEWELLA GIDEON
GEORGE | NIGEL BOYLE
FRANKIE LUCAS | JAZZ LINTOTT
KEN | CYRIL BLAKE
MICHAEL | DANIEL FRANCIS-SWABY
ALTERNATE FRANKIE LUCAS | TINASHE DARIKWA
Creative Team
WRITER | LISA LINTOTT
DIRECTORS | PHILIP J MORRIS & XANTHUS
PRODUCERS | LISA LINOTT & JAZZ LINTOTT
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS | FRANK SCULLY & BEL CLARKE
CASTING DIRECTOR | HARRY GILBERT
PRODUCTION MANAGERS | TIAN GLASGOW & HANNAH MOORE
PRODUCTION DESIGNER | ERIN GUAN
LIGHTING DESIGNER | CHENG KENG
SOUND DESIGNER | LO WU
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR | DAVID GILBERT
TECHINCAL STAGE MANAGER | REUBEN BOJANG & ATLANTA SONSON-CHAPMAN
STAGE MANAGEMENT | SARAH WEATHERALL
VIDEOGRAPHER | ANDREW MACDONALD
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | DACRE BRACEY
FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER | RUPERT CHARMAK
DIALECT COACH | JOEL TRILL
COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHER | JAMES POTTER
Freesheet
Artwork Photography by Andreas Reynaga, design by Dacre Bracey. Rehearsal trailer by Erica Belton.
ComeForGold Productions in association with Park Theatre present the London Premiere
Going for Gold
By Lisa Lintott, Directed by Philip J Morris and Xanthus