Bullies aren’t confined to the playground. Following Anti-Bullying Week this week, Razor Sharp Productions revives Rumble!, its acclaimed play about workplace bullying, for a strictly limited season.
The play, written and directed by Yasir Senna, runs at London’s Drayton Arms Theatre from 23 November to 4 December 2021, with a press night on 25 November. Time to get booking!
It’s 2009 and the nation is in the midst of a recession. Times are tough and only the toughest survive.
Into the fray steps Alisha Harper-Gill, a diligent professional who suddenly finds herself facing a disciplinary action instigated by her male bosses. With dismissal impending, the odds are stacked against her, and Alisha has to make a decision. Does she hand in her letter of resignation, thereby saving her reputation, or does she confront her opponents and Rumble!?
One woman’s fight against a constructive dismissal with the help of the soundtrack of the Foreman vs Ali Rumble in the Jungle clash.
Rumble! is a comedy/drama about the ruthless bullying and victimisation culture prevalent in the corporate world – with thrills, spills, shocks, surprises and with references to the most famous heavyweight boxing match ever to take place.
Rumble! was Razor Sharp Productions‘ first production, staged at the Courtyard Theatre in 2014 after a first run at the Barons Court Theatre in 2013. This was followed by the acclaimed She Wears Scented Rose, a thriller about a middle-aged businessman who is almost murdered by a ruthless carjacker, which was staged at Theatro Technis in April 2017 and restaged due to popular demand in October 2018.
In Rumble!, Claire-Monique Martin, an all-around creator who is also artistic director of her own Fractured Time Productions, stars as Alisha, alongside Richard Evans (Madame Bovary, All About the Boys) as Peter. They are joined in the cast by Chris Lloyd James, Ian Recordon, Christopher Poke, Roselle Hirst, Jonathan Forrester, Kerry-Ann Goode, Martin Balanow and Katie Cannon.
This revival is produced by Rebecca Lyon, who has previously staged shows at the Bread and Roses Theatre and JW3. Veronica Sarno is assistant director, with lighting by Leo Bacica, stage management by Vittorio Parri and David East.

Rumble! is at Drayton Arms Theatre 23 November-4 December 2021
What the critics say
“I trust you will believe me when I say that Rumble! is actually rather good” – Remote Goat
“Has more twists and turns than an Alpine pass. More layers than a delicious French onion. To cut to the chase, it is a first-rate play, from start to bloody finish” – ★★★★★ Close Up Culture on She Wears Scented Rose
“This psychological drama is two hours of edge of the seat entertainment” – ★★★★ What’s Hot London on She Wears Scented Rose
“Top-notch and thoroughly entertaining… Highly recommended” – ★★★★ West End Wilma on She Wears Scented Rose