UK Theatre Network

You Couldn’t Make It Up

Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne

Tuesday 24 February – Sunday 1 March 2009

Tues – Sat at 7.30pm, Sun at 4.00pm

If there’s one thing that is guaranteed to get Tynesiders talking, then surely, it is ‘the beautiful game.’ Whether you’re a supporter of The Black Cats or The Magpies, here in the North East, we take our football very seriously.

Live Theatre, renowned for being an innovative and experimental venue that doesn’t shy away from presenting productions which may be considered too risky by other theatres, presents You Couldn’t Make It Up, a fascinating and satirical look at the recent media circus surrounding the trials and tribulations of ‘The Toon Army.’

The play which is written by a father and son collaboration, Michael and Tom Chaplin, draws upon verbatim testimony from local and national journalists, football pundits, ex-players, ex-managers and fans, as well as speculative imagination, via re-enacted scenes, to provide a commentary on the saga that has encompassed St James’ Park in recent times.

The cast of four, comprising Mark Benton, Bill Fellows, Laura Norton and Davie Nellist are consistently excellent throughout and, despite the fact that this is a script-in-hand production, they each inject passion and conviction into their performances.

Initially, we are introduced to them as a group of season ticket-holders. However, during the course of the play, they each play a variety of roles to provide a fascinating, informative and entertaining look at the current, seemingly, hopeless situation.

Mark Benton, known to many for his roles in Northern Lights, Early Doors and the Nationwide advertisements, hits the back of the net (pardon the pun!) with his portrayal of Mike Ashley. He utilises that dry sense of humour and deadpan delivery to maximum effect and, in doing so, just about steals the show.

The production is staged on a starkly effective set, consisting only of four black and white chairs and two overhead television screens, which depict significant images and statistics to illustrate the dialogue.

Max Roberts’ direction is subtle and understated, allowing the script and performances to shine at their brightest.

Whether you’re a season ticket-holder, an armchair pundit or an intrigued football novice, such as myself, You Couldn’t Make It Up will ensure that you become caught up in the controversy besieging the Tyneside institution that is Newcastle United Football Club.

Steve Burbridge.