The Sweet Science of Bruising
The Sweet Science of Bruising
Written By: Joy Wilkinson
Creative Team:
Warren McKenzie – Director
Jethro Pidd – Assistant Director/Choreographer
The Sweet Science of Bruising is Joy Wilkinson’s Victorian-era drama set in 1869 London. It follows four women from very different backgrounds who are drawn into the hidden, male-dominated world of underground women’s boxing. Recruited by an eccentric promoter to compete for the title of “Lady Boxing Champion of the World,” each enters the ring seeking freedom, survival, recognition, or escape. Although shaped by male control and restrictive Victorian expectations, the women discover power, independence, and solidarity in the ring—one of the few places where their choices and bodies truly belong to them.
To book an audition: https://www.trybooking.com/DNXKZ
| Audition Information #:1 | |
| Date: | 15/08/2026 |
| Time From – Time to: | 10:00am – 5:00pm |
| Audition Information #:2 | |
| Date: | 16/08/2026 |
| Time From – Time to: | 12:00pm – 5:00pm |
| Character Descriptions #:1 | |
| Role Name: | Violet Hunter |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 20 – 35 |
| Role Information: | Accent: Upper class English A bright, ambitious young woman from a respectable background who longs for education and independence. Her journey is one of awakening—intellectual, physical, and political. Stage intimacy required. Short Boxing movement audition required. |
| Character Descriptions #:2 | |
| Role Name: | Matilda “Matty” Blackwell |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 25 – 40 |
| Role Information: | Accent: Irish/Scottish preferable but not mandatory A working-class woman fighting for economic survival and the safety of her children. Tough, grounded, and emotionally complex. Stage intimacy required. Short Boxing movement audition required. |
| Character Descriptions #:3 | |
| Role Name: | Anna Lamb |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 20 – 35 |
| Role Information: | Accent: Upper class English A woman trapped in an abusive marriage with Gabriel, who finds unexpected liberation in the ring. Her arc is one of reclaiming her body and voice. Stage intimacy required. Short Boxing movement audition required. |
| Character Descriptions #:4 | |
| Role Name: | Polly Stokes |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 20 – 35 |
| Role Information: | Accent: Cockney/Working class Londoner A lively, fame-hungry young woman who sees boxing as a path to recognition. Energetic, charismatic, and impulsive. Stage intimacy required. Short Boxing movement audition required. |
| Character Descriptions #:5 | |
| Role Name: | Professor Charlie Sharp |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | 40 – 60+ |
| Role Information: | Accent: English The eccentric, morally ambiguous promoter who orchestrates the women’s boxing matches. Manipulative and self-righteous. Short Boxing movement audition required. |
| Character Descriptions #:6 | |
| Role Name: | Aunt George |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 40 – 60 |
| Role Information: | Accent: Upper class English Aunt George is Violet Hunter’s refined, socially powerful maternal aunt. She is the gatekeeper in Violet’s future and sizeable inheritance. Loving but firm. |
| Character Descriptions #:7 | |
| Role Name: | Paul Stokes |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | 25 – 40 |
| Role Information: | Accent: West Yorkshire/Cockney preferable Polly’s husband; well-meaning but often overwhelmed. Tries to keep up with Polly’s physicality but is outclassed. Stage intimacy required. Short Boxing movement audition required. |
| Character Descriptions #:8 | |
| Role Name: | Gabriel Lamb |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | 30 – 45 |
| Role Information: | Accent: Upper class English Anna’s controlling and abusive husband. Victorian domestic sense, coercive control, sudden temper, moments of violence. Drawn to Matty’s passion and unpredictability. Stage intimacy required. |
| Character Descriptions #:9 | |
| Role Name: | Dr. James Bell |
| Gender: | Male |
| Stage Age: | 30 – 45 |
| Role Information: | Accent: English A medical authority of Victorian science. Educated and articulate, A logical, calm, observant man who loves Violet but maintains the appearance of social structure. Stage intimacy required. |
| Character Descriptions #:10 | |
| Role Name: | Emily |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 25 – 35 |
| Role Information: | Accent: Upper class English A young woman who believes in women’s rights, but only within the boundaries of propriety, class, and safety. |
| Character Descriptions #:11 | |
| Role Name: | Nancy |
| Gender: | Female |
| Stage Age: | 25 – 40 |
| Role Information: | Accent: Midlands preferable but not mandatory Working class maid for Anna Hunter. Terrified of Gabriel, supportive and fearful for Anna. Knows about the boxing world. |
If you don’t receive a main role, please let us know if you’d like to be considered for one of the extra parts we have available
More Information at: www.stirlingplayers.org.au
Anne Jolly Hall, Church of Epiphany, Crafers
Email publicity@stirlingplayers.org.au for Audition Pieces
Auditions for Violet, Anna, Matty, Polly, Professor Charlie Sharp, and Paul Stokes will include acting audition and a short boxing movement section within the 20 minutes.
Please wear something comfortable.
Auditions for Aunt George, Gabriel Hunter, Dr. George Lamb, Emily, Nancy do not require extensive movement.
Any further information RE characters or production, please contact:
Mr. Warren McKenzie
0418890117
mckenziw@hotmail.com
Contact: Publicity Officer
publicity@stirlingplayers.org.au
