| 13 August 2010
For someone not remotely interested in sporting activities and with a particular disdain for 'celebrities', of the reality TV show variety, the idea of sitting through John Godber's rugby-based play starring Abi Titmuss didn't full me with excitement. To my pleasant surprise, however, I was kept happily amused and even (embarrassingly) found myself joining in an impromptu applause and cheer during the final match scene.Now at the ripe old age of 25, this play is a Yorkshire tale celebrating the charm of the underdogs. Arthur (William Ilkley) is given the unfortunate task of training up the county's Amateur Rugby League no-hopes, after an ill-placed bet promising he can train any team to beat the current champions. Cue Rocky-style montages and comical gym training sessions. In true Northern self-deprecating style, much of the humour centres around just how hopeless and unfit the team is.
The presence of lads’ mag pin-up Abi Titmuss, playing the gym instructor Hazel, will inevitably attract attention, along with other minor celebrities including James Crossley (otherwise known as Hunter from Gladiators). But what I found particularly appealing about this play was the remarkably honest way in which the physical aspects of the narrative are carried out: the ill-disguised smoke machine setting the scene for a marvellous dream sequence, the hilarious slow motion playbacks during the match finale and the cleverly simple depiction of a 7-a-side rugby match with only 6 actors on stage. Not an easy feat but admirably well carried off and suitably tongue-in-cheek.
Possibly showing its age a little in the context of 2010's Fringe, this show is neither ground-breaking nor surprising in any way, but it is unpretentious and definitely an enjoyable watch (for more reasons than the sight of Abi Titmuss in hotpants).
Assembly @ George St, 5-30 Aug (not 16), 5.25pm
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