COME OUT FIGHTING

Stage play - Screenplay in development

Soldier Joe Donaldson’s suppressed sexuality finds vent only in the casual violence which surrounds him.

But, forced into the company of the streetwise Carl, he is propelled headlong into unknown waters - the world of a celebrity boxer and infatuation with a young man whom life has taught not to trust love or commitment.

As his world falls apart around him, Joe’s violent instincts threaten to destroy them both.

Photo: Steve Tanner

Essentially a love story inspired by Merimée's immortal Carmen, Come Out Fighting (previously A.W.O.L then Love and War) explores different aspects of male sexuality and in particular its links with aggression and violence.

Shortlisted by Script Factory South West. They said:-
'We liked A.W.O.L. (old title) very much and hope it will be produced. We felt it told an Important and very moving story in a sensitive and creative way.'

Extract from the SWMDA script critique:-
‘The story premise for A. W. 0. L. is in general a very good one, with homosexuality and the army a particularly topical subject to base the screenplay around. The script manages successfully to combine a sense of gritty realism - of the squaddies' life, of Joe's coming out, of Carl's hidden vulnerability - with a certain amount of humour. In addition, the characters of Carl and Joe come across as potentially very strong leads. In terms of a suitable avenue for this project, it would seem to be more oriented towards a television film than a feature film - considering its length and handling of the subject matter.’

Extract from BBC Writersroom critique:-
You’ve hit on an issue that’s great material for a mainstream drama, and your main premise, that real men like real men, is one that will accept quite a lot of exploration – the homoeroticism of violence in the media is neither news nor something that’s been thoroughly looked into…… You bring terrific fun and colour to the piece as your plot expands….

In 2023 the stage version of Come Out Fighting was toured by What Now Productions to Devon, Cornwall and London.
It was funded by ACE and FEAST

'Come Out Fighting is a striking fusion of classic and contemporary musical renditions from the immortal Carmen, woven seamlessly into a powerful narrative that pays homage to the often-overlooked discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ soldiers. The production boasts a formidable quartet of actors who exhibit remarkable maturity in their craft, delivering a compelling and thought-provoking performance, that is a blast of fresh air for this classic opera theme.   
                                                                                                   Zuzanna Chmielewska, West End Evenings