Muhammad Ali. The subject of umpteen Oscar-winning films, countless documentaries, and Pulitzer Prize-winning books, Muhammad Ali remains a source of fascination to millions across the globe. On Wednesday, 30 October, 1974, forty million tuned in to watch “The Rumble in the Jungle”: Muhammad Ali’s legendary clash with the indestructible new heavyweight champion of the world, George Foreman. Now, Rematch has provided the ultimate exercise in wish fulfilment, and restaged it all.

The capacious warehouse space at Dock X Canada Water has been fantastically dressed to resemble all facets of the event. The despotic dictator of Zaire (modern-day DRC) Mobutu had put up 10 million dollars for the two men to fight, and we, travelers from 2023, are here to sample the action in 1974. We are ushered from a boxing gym antechamber into an all-encompassing new world alive with the sights and sounds of Zaire, complete with mock market stalls and a hotel lobby area — besides promotional billboards and live music everywhere you turn. It all sits somewhere between authenticity and kitsch, but the attention to detail is genuinely immersive. The Congolese food served is palatable (if a little pricey): the “litmuma” platain bites from the Kimpuanza Bar are tasty, while the “Le Champion” draught beer is delightful.

But what really makes this immersive experience special is the quality of the performances. As anyone who has seen the Oscar-winning documentary When We Were Kings (1996) or its sister picture Soul Power (2008) knows, not only did the fight draw in a host of celebrities in the worlds of boxing and politics, it also drew in the greatest musicians of Africa, the US, and South America. Performing on stage at Zaire ’74 were such names as James Brown, The Spinners, BB King, Celia Cruz and The Fania All Stars, alongside the Congolese colossi Franco Luambo Makiadi and Tabu Ley Rochereau: all in their prime. All of which poses an enormous problem: how on earth can such a kaleidoscopic roster of characters possibly be captured in one immersive extravaganza? Well, it must be said, that Rematch does its darnedest.

Tossing out thrilling vocals, dance moves, and energy — almost move for move — Guy Kelton-Jones (dressed in James Brown’s iconic purple Godfather of Soul leotard and choker) is a one-man music festival. Performing not only Brown’s set but also many of the other artists, he delivers on everything (perhaps except James Brown’s repeated box splits). The band is on point throughout, with a tight and funky brass section and Chuks Chiejine on guitar — delivering the music of TPOK Jazz in particular with sensitive panache.

After this exhilarating extravaganza, the fight itself can only prove to be a slight anti-climax. Re-staging a boxing match is something of an impossible feat. The choreography is slick, with storytelling woven into the rounds to help bring the fight to life, with jabs, uppercuts, and right-hand leads scored to licks from the impeccable live band. Yet in spite of the skill and balleticism of the impressively muscled combatants, one is never quite convinced that anyone is doing any real fighting. Timothy O’Hara as David Frost does an excellent job of engaging the crowd through the rounds, with excellent improvisational skills, raising laughter from the audience.

With a history of staging arresting immersive experiences of great sporting landmarks (including the Borg-McEnroe final at Wimbledon 1980), Rematch has an impressive track record. But this production really has it all. The dedicated team, led by writer Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, music director Femi Temowo, and creative director Miguel Hernando Torres Umba has come near to pulling off the impossible. They have crafted an excellent night out for all fight fans — and those who hanker after the Golden Age of boxing and soul music. Tickets remain at affordable prices for the remainder of the run. So get them while stocks last!

Playing at Dock X Canada Water 8 September – 9 December 2023.