'FACT and fantasy are fatally confused in Docker Starkie, who is Peterson's central character.
In fact, he is an ageing ex-champion making a comeback in a second-rate fight because he needs money.
In fantasy he is back in his boxing heyday, trying to believe he needs just the "feel" of the canvas under his feet, to recapture all his old skill.
The two become as one in the ring, where Starkie dies.
That is just the main thread of the story. Before Docker makes his last journey to the ring we see a stream of "pre-lim boys"–the youngster blinded by resin from his opponent's gloves and wisely deciding to go back to the paint factory; the punch-drunk old-stager in danger of losing his reason altogether; the flashy spiv who is to earn his money by "taking a dive"; the cheerful Cockney on the way up; and the bear-like moron.
Through it all runs an unspoken indictment of the boxing racket.'
Source:
'Sydney Writer's London Stage Hit', Sunday Herald, 26 October 1952, p.12.
An adaptation of Ralph Peterson's play of the same name, which had premiered successfully in London in 1952.
An adaptation of Ralph Peterson's The Square Ring, which takes place exclusively in the dressing room during a boxing match.
An adaptation of Ralph Peterson's play The Square Ring.
A radio adaptation of Ralph Peterson's play The Square Ring, which was itself based on a radio series.
Notes on staging:
See: 'Sydney Writer's London Stage Hit', Sunday Herald, 26 October 1952, p.12.
Premiered in Brighton for a trial staging in September 1952, after which Peterson wrote out the only female character (see 'Sydney Writer's London Stage Hit').
Staged in London from Tuesday 21 October 1952.
According to contemporary newspapers, the work first came to the attention of Anthony Quayle, who then passed it to H.M. Tennent Ltd (agents), who produced and staged it (see 'Sydney Writer's London Stage Hit').
The play involves thirteen characters, all male.