Alf Ramsey Knew My Grandfather, the smash-hit play about West Auckland football club, the team comprised of Durham miners who won the first World Cup in 1909, is returning to the stage.
The play will be performed at Darlington’s prestigious Civic Theatre from July 24-27 in aid of Darlington FC’s Youth Team. Four of the original cast, Dave Nellist, Wayne Miller, Rob Atkinson (all pictured above) and Dean Logan are returning to the team along with new signings Micky Cochrane and Iain Cunningham.
Tickets are available from the box office on 01325486555 or online at www.darlingtonarts.co.uk. Tickets for the evening shows cost £20 and £15 and all tickets for the Thursday matinee cost £10.
As a kick-off to the week’s performances, there will be a “Celebrity Night” at the theatre on Monday 23 July. Details will be announced later.
ARKMG played to sell-out audiences at Durham’s 550-seat Gala Theatre in 2009 to celebrate the centenary of West Auckland’s historic victory and later transferred to Newcastle’s 1200-seat Theatre Royal to much acclaim.
Shaun Campbell and Doug Embleton, spokespeople for the project, believe the play and other high profile events can raise significant funds for the Darlington FC Youth Team.
Shaun explained: “The Youth Team has been so integral to our current playing squad, particularly during this season, perhaps the most turbulent and dramatic in the club’s 128-year history. The ongoing survival of the Youth Team is vital for the future of the club”.
The fundraising will be achieved via a series of highly entertaining shows in Darlington this summer, involving Alf Ramsey Knew My Grandfather, a celebrity night and other activities.
Doug Embleton, a lifelong Darlo fan, added: “The response of football fans throughout the North East and beyond to the Save Darlington FC cause has been overwhelmingly generous but we are calling on the people of Darlington and of the North East to give that extra support to the Youth Team. Alf Ramsey Knew My Grandfather is a fantastic way to involve fans and people who want to help but who don’t necessarily come along to football matches.
“Craig Liddle’s work with the Youth Team has been inspirational. However, the Youth Team funding from the Football League will be discontinued from the 1st July as The Quakers will by then have completed 2 years in The Blue Square Premier League. It is therefore both timely and fitting that the play will also run in July. All fans know just how dear the Youth Team is to Craig’s heart. It is a privilege to help this continue”.
Shaun continued: “Ed and Trevor not only agreed to give us the play, they also agreed to produce it, which means they have been able to call on original cast members as well as Sky Television’s Jeff Stelling”.
Doug added: “We are appealing to people to buy tickets as soon as possible. It’s a play for all ages so we are hoping families will come along together.”