MICKEY and his team of cornermen never seem to have much luck in the boxing world. The fighters they manage always end up losing and, after a disastrous last outing, no-one wants to work with them.

Until, that is, they sign Sid Sparks, a young boxer whose fast hands and winning ways catapult them into a world of success they have never known. However, you can’t win all the time and soon Mickey must choose between the life he is enjoying and the well-being of his young charge.

Written by Oli Forsyth, Cornermen is staged by Smoke & Oakum Theatre, a new writing company that "produces quality theatre all over the UK". The pugilistic play first entered the ring at the Old Red Lion Theatre in London before playing to thousands of people at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh and the New Diorama Theatre and VAULT Festival, both in London.

Along the way, Cornermen's script has been published by Nick Hern Books. The bell rings at 7.45pm for Wednesday's performance of this knock-out show; tickets cost £12 on 01904 623568 or at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk