AUDENSHAW’S Guide Bridge Theatre will be the scene of sporting triumph over adversity as it puts down Jumpers for Goalposts.
The tale of Barely Athletic, a five-a-side football team comprised of lovable losers, will be told on the stage as its latest production begins on Monday, June 10.
At the helm of the about underdogs from Humberside is Viv, played by Michelle Lockwood, a fervent player-coach ousted from Lesbian Rovers for her overbearing leadership style.
Her mission is to ignite a spark of fighting spirit in her teammates Beardy Geoff (Jack Corcoran) – a gay busker, Joe (Jason P. Dyson) – her melancholic brother-in-law, shy librarian Luke (Adam Carter) and the team’s lone straight member Danny (Jack Davison) – a determined student.
The stakes are high for Barely Athletic. The team must strive to avoid finishing last in their four-team league, while Danny navigates his own personal challenge – winning the heart of his team-mate Luke.
Tom Wells’ script brilliantly blends these narrative threads and his writing shines as he vividly captures the eccentricities of grassroots football.
From the striker of Drag Queen United donning a leopard-print miniskirt to Viv’s impassioned attempts to secure a coveted third-place finish, the play is a delightful celebration of the competitive spirit found even at the humblest levels of sport.
The captivating and heart-warming story is set to charm audiences with its wit, humour, and poignant portrayal of camaraderie and perseverance play,
Drawing inspiration from John Godber’s celebrated Up ‘n’ Under, it is directed by the theatre’s own artistic director, John Cocks-Evans, and promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience, full of laughter, love, and life lessons.
Jumpers for Goalposts is on at Guide Bridge Theatre, on Audenshaw Road, from Monday, June 10 until Saturday, June 15.
Tickets, priced at £11 or £9.90 for members who receive a 10 per cent discount, can be bought by clicking www.gbtheatre.co.uk or calling 0333 666 3366.