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Derby County's FA Cup winning team of 1946, the first after WWII, when the Rams beat Charlton 4-1 after extra time. Extra Time Derby Theatre ***** As audiences
start to tentatively return to theatres across the country, it seems a
good way to entice them back is to find a subject that appeals to a big
chunk of the community. Football would seem a very good bet.
Stemming from an idea
by local writer and poet, James Thrasivoulou, to celebrate the 75th
anniversary of Derby County FC winning the FA cup, the result is a mix
of life stories combining songs, anecdotes and poems with the city of
Derby and it’s people very much at it’s heart. As one of the few people in the auditorium not a
fan of Derby County, I did initially wonder about it’s broader appeal
for an audience outside that particular part of the East Midlands. Any concerns on that score are quickly dispelled.
There is a real skill in creating a piece of theatre that speaks to it’s
own community whilst at the same time appealing to a wider crowd. That
is certainly achieved here. It’s the genuine warmth of it’s storytelling that
provides it’s central focus, irrespective of where you are from or what
you already may or may not know about Derby County. Despite the
rivalries, the ups and downs of being a football fan is something every
supporter for any club can relate to. For that reason alone, the appeal
here is universal. Devised by the cast with an excellent Dramaturg
by Deborah McAndrew, the mix of narrative and music flows with real
charm and gentle humour against a backdrop of Derby landmarks, including
the stadium itself, the local drinking hole and even a section of the
pitch. Tales are told, songs are sung, memories are recounted and very special moments tenderly recreated by an ensemble cast who have the audience enthralled and exactly where they want them.
‘It’s
the hope that kills us’ laments‘ Peter’ ( Sean McKensie ) to an
audible groan of recognition by the audience who clearly share his
frustration on supporting a team who often promises more than it
delivers. As fan of Walsall FC, I was with him there!
Live action is interspersed with pre recorded
clips of interviews with real Derby County fans, all with personal
stories about their beloved club and, beyond that, what living in Derby
means to them. There’s even a ‘ Visit Derby!’ type promo film to kick
the play off, highlighting it’s heritage, diversity and, of course, it’s
pride. Not a boastful city, and perhaps a little overlooked, but there
is lot to celebrate. The 1946 FA cup win is shown through the eyes of
a grandfather and his young grand daughter, Lizzie ( played with joyous
innocence by Anna Kate Golding ) who make the trip to Wembley on that
fateful day. Years later, Lizzie tells us she still attends the games,
her own children taking the place of her long since departed
grandfather. Proof that the beautiful game is a way of life for so many.
To paraphrase Bill Shankly, ‘Football is not a matter of life and death. Its much more important
than that,. Pace is kept precisely throughout, and each
performer is given space to explore characters. Angela’s ( Ines Sampaio)
declaration of love to ex manager John Gregory is a lovely moment, as is
the volley of Brian Clough quotes. Ivan Stott leads his ensemble
musicians with a mix of tender and rousing songs and Jamie Thrasivoulou
gives a superb Derby interpretation of
Choose Life from Trainspotting. A tight and strong ensemble cast adds texture to
a fine piece of storytelling from kick off to the final whistle.
The packed house left buzzing. The return to theatre could not have gone better. Tom Roberts 12-10-21 |
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