IT’S still coming home for players at Rugby Theatre, who are tackling a football-themed musical which kicks off this weekend.
With World Cup fever still fresh in the memory, the Henry Street venue will stage the award-winning musical The Beautiful Game between October 20 and 27.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s collaboration with comedian and writer Ben Elton tells the story of an under-21 team in Belfast at the height of the troubles.
It follows five young players as their friendships are tested by tempestuous relationships and opposing beliefs, set against a backdrop of a city in turmoil.
Director David Allen says: “If you’re not a sports fan, the football is only one element. The story is full of romance, humour and mesmerising drama, and runs the gamut of human emotions.”
He said he and musical director Liam Walker had “assembled a wonderfully talented and enthusiastic cast, combining well-known faces with fresh new talent for Rugby Theatre audiences”.
“It’s a great team on stage and behind the scenes, but this is still a highly ambitious piece for any theatre company, let alone an amateur one.
“The demands on everyone involved are immense, but these are being faced with a combination of tremendous enthusiasm, excitement and no small amount of exhaustion!
“Contemplate, if you will, the challenge of a choreographed football match – not the whole 90 minutes of course – to name but one!”
Visit www.rugbytheatre.co.uk or call 01788 541234 to book tickets.
