Tanzi Libre

The first production in Southwark Playhouse's new main space, The Large, sees former artistic director Ellie Jones return to the theatre to direct an updated version of Claire Luckham's 1980 play Trafford Tanzi, re-titled Tanzi Libre.

In a South London wrestling ring, Tanzi and her love interest, Dean Rebel, have more than just their titles to fight for when they're pitted against each other for the 'fight of the decade'. Following Tanzi's life from the moment she was born until she falls in love, discovers the realities of the wrestling world and invents her signature move, the deadly Venus Flytrap, Tanzi Libre is a touching and thrilling story that takes place within a full-size professional wrestling ring complete with live DJ and an all-singing, all-wrestling cast.

The title of the play changes depending on where it is performed. This production is called Tanzi Libre because it will incorporate the popular Mexican Lucha libre style of wrestling.

Southwark Playhouse's revival marks the play's first major London production in over 30 years. The original production began its life in the pubs of Liverpool, presented by the Everyman Theatre Company before premiering at Contact Theatre in Manchester in 1980 where it was titled Trafford Tanzi. Since then, it has had hundreds of productions around the world.