Roe Reviews Theatre

Shakespeare fourth wall breaks meets local rugby in an underdog spectacle after a bet gone wrong means Mark Roberts’ Arthur must train the worst club in the northern county to beat the Cobblers Arms (the ‘Real Madrid’ in the northern rugby world)

This play marks the Loft’s 6th production this year and whilst the book by John Godber was the stereotypical determination by the love of the game story, this productions down to earth nature didn’t give to me the WOW factor like the rest of the season has been thus far. Just some basic feel good theatre to keep you plodding on until the end of the week. You know what will happen, some of the jokes and comments and the multitude of training montages that will occur from this cheesy comedy.

The cast of 6 led by Roberts’ Arthur saw Steve Farr return as the Cobbler manager Reg, Harrison Horsley as apprentice miner Tony, Connor Bailey’s English teacher Phil, Simon Truscott as the ever late Steve, Charlie Longman’s perfect comedic timing as the butcher Frank and Rosie Pankhurst’s Hazel Scott to pull them all together. The cast show genuine camaraderie and chemistry throughout the entire show and it’s clear from the adlib comments and character moments on stage are the same they make off it in the funniest way possible.

The movement direction by @danwalshmoves is brilliant as well as the clever costume designs for the Act 2 uniform and the suspense during the game itself had the audience support every try and feel every miss.

If you love rugby and good friendly comedy come down for one last performance tomorrow night before the final whistle 🏉