A razor sharp and darkly comic exploration of our universal desire to win.
Gym Party exposes the manipulative absurdity of the establishment insistence that we can all unite and flourish under the banner of ‘aspiration’.
Three intrepid contestants compete in a series of games, which range from hilariously stupid, to arbitrary and downright heartbreaking. Chris, Jess and Ira fearlessly do whatever it takes to win – to please you, the audience. They are also eager to share their stories, perspectives and awkward dances in between.
Anarchic, thoughtful and painfully entertaining, Gym Party speaks to anyone who frets about the state of the world and how we treat each other – then gets distracted by a dumb celebrity tweet.
★★★★ The Guardian
★★★★ The Scotsman
“One marvellously unusual hour…Gym Party finds the sweet spot between pure play…sharp, silly and surprisingly tender”
★★★★ The Times
Commissioned by and developed at Battersea Arts Centre.
Co-commissioned by Pulse, Mayfest, Sprint and Sampled festivals. With support from the Almeida Theatre and National Theatre Studio. Funded by Arts Council England.
Created with Christopher Brett Bailey and Ira Brand
Performed by Jessica Latowicki, Christopher Brett Bailey and Ira Brand
Lighting design by Sean Gleason
Set and Costume by Clementine Keith-Roche
Photographer Production Shots : Richard Davenport Photographer for Promo : John Hunter