The comeback kid’s back in the Everyman a decade later

A decade ago, audiences and critics across the nation were captivated by the comeback story of failed amateur boxer Dan Coyle Jr.

Written by Gavin Kostick, ‘Fight Night’ went on to become one of Irish theatre’s most loved productions and has spent the past ten years touring both nationally and internationally.

On its travels, the play won Best Actor and the Bewley’s little Gem awards at Dublin Fringe and was nominated Best New Play at the Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards. Now, to mark its 10th anniversary, Rise Productions is bringing ‘Fight Night’ on tour once again and it just so happens to be showing in Cork’s Everyman Theatre tonight! ‘Fight Night’ charts the comeback of Dan Coyle Jr, a failed amateur boxer from a long line of accomplished fighters. Dan is a third generation boxer and is played by a third generation actor Aonghus Óg McAnally, grandson of three-time Best Actor BAFTA winner Ray McAnally and son of RTE broadcaster Aonghus McAnally.

The creative team, led by writer Gavin Kostick and director Bryan Burroughs, also includes boxing coach and former Irish champion Oisín ‘Gael Force’ Fagan as boxing advisor. With their help and guidance, Aonghus has been in fight camp for eight months, back with his original boxing, strength and conditioning coaches, cutting six stone to get in shape for the role.

Living in the shadows of his overbearing father and his brother’s Olympic success, Dan lets his training slip in favour of girls and booze. Then, an incident with his father minutes before a crucial bout splinters the family and exiles Dan from the ring. It’s not until the birth of his own son years later that his competitive fire is reignited and he takes the first tentative steps on his road to redemption.

McAnally’s fast-paced and engaging solo performance combines intense physicality with a classic Dublin wit in a storytelling experience that will leave audiences both exhausted and exhilarated.