FIGHTING

By XAVIER COY

18 March – 12 April 2025

WORLD PREMIERE

“It’s funny. All this – I know it’s funny. But the thought of laughing feels entirely alien.”

An exploration into the mind of one man as he traverses the highs and lows of bipolar over the course of a day, battling with both the people in his life and the voices in his head.

He works in a shop run by an elderly couple. They enjoy a virile sex life, while he is desperately lonely.

He is confronted by his ex-girlfriend who is now engaged. A panic attack ensues.

He has a date that night with a woman he quite fancies. Will she be the one to lift the haze or will his world continue to crumble?

Winner of the 2022 Silver Gull Play Award

Patrons please note: this production contains strong language, references to mental illness and suicidal ideation, adult themes, sexual references, theatrical haze and high-pitched noises.

CREATIVE TEAM

Director Xavier Coy
Set Designer Tom Bannerman
Costume Designers Hansen
Lighting Designer Robin Legal
Sound Designer Mehran Mortezaei
Stage Manager/Operator Alastor Gooley

CAST

Sophie Highmore
Jay James-Moody
Dave Woodland

DATES/TIMES

Previews Tue 18 Mar & Wed 19 Mar 7:30pm
Opening Night Thu 20 Mar 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm
Final performance Sat 12 Apr 2pm

Running time: 90 mins, no interval

Please note: latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance

tickets

Full $37
Concessions, Groups (6+) $32
New Theatre Members $25
Thrifty Thursdays $25
Preview $20
(Booking and transaction fees apply)

BOOK TICKETS

DOWNLOAD COLOUR PROGRAM

★★★★★ “A captivating insight into the complexities of living with bipolar.” It’s On The House

★★★★.5 “A complete paean to the rough and tumble of daily existence for those whose internal world is at odds with the external one.” Theatre Now

★★★★ “Takes audiences on a roller coaster ride of emotions … It’s fortunate that Sydney audiences have the chance to see this unique play.” Arts Hub

★★★★ “Outstanding performances from Jay James-Moody, Sophie Highmore and David Woodland, who bring melodious delivery to Coy’s poetically crafted and heartfelt words.” Sydney Theatre Reviews

★★★.5 “This prize-winning play compresses a day’s worth of depressions and manic highs into a rollercoaster 90 minutes … The constant is a sardonic funny streak, which is very well served by three agile actors.” Limelight

“This powerful fusion of emotional depth and dark comedy creates a compelling experience that hits home while bridging critical gaps in understanding mental illness. Makes you laugh, cringe, and feel all at once.” Faith in Theatres

“‘Fighting’ is not an easy play to watch, but it’s important that we do!” Stage Whispers

Patrons please note: New Theatre is now EFTPOS-only
at Front of House for both ticket and bar sales.