Theater News

Boxing Champion Julius Francis to Make Acting Debut in Ring of Envy

Julius Francis
Julius Francis
(Courtesy of the company)

Former British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Boxing Champion Julius Francis will make his acting debut alongside the Intermission Youth Theatre in Ring of Envy, a new contemporary play based on Shakespeare’s Othello, set in a boxing ring. The production will run at Intermission Theatre from October 25 to November 17.

In the play, Othello is a highly esteemed boxer at The Ring Youth Club, at a gym owned by Frank (Francis). The championships are fast approaching but when Othello chooses Michael Cassio over his ambitious best friend, Iago as his corner man, it sends Iago into a rage of jealousy. Iago begins an evil and malicious campaign against Othello, which leads to a tragic end.

Now in its fourth year, Intermission Youth Theatre uses drama to engage young people from London’s inner-city communities who are at risk or who lack opportunity. This work takes the form of drama workshops which culminate in devising plays inspired by Shakespeare, which are then performed by the members of the workshops.

Click here for more information and Ring of Envy tickets.