Review: Golden Boy, Almeida Theatre

What a cast, what performances; everyone was at the top of their game in Golden Boy at the Almeida Theatre. It was pin-drop theatre from start to finish. Josh O’Connor is lean and muscular, a lost young man torn between pursuing music, which fulfils him and a desire for money and status, which he could get through boxing. But he can’t do both; throwing himself fully into boxing means he’ll likely damage his hands so he can no longer play the violin. Joe’s inner turmoil is matched by an external tussle for his commitment. His gentle, loving father (Stanley Townsend) believes in his talent and that he can lead a satisfying, if not lucrative, life as a musician. And boxing manager Tom Moody (Daniel Mays) sees a glittering and financially rewarding career for Joe (and himself) if only he could unlock the block that makes him pull his punches. Throw into the mix Joe’s growing feelings for Tom’s girlfriend and soon-to-be wife, Lorna (Hayley Squires), and you have an angry and confused man…