Leeds United fan stage-play
– tour dates announced
A 15-date theatre tour including two nights at West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds was announced for the stage play focused on one fan’s dedication to Leeds United. Paint It White is the life-story of Gary Edwards told in a hilarious play.
Edwards a decorator and painter by trade supported Elland Road through both thick and thin having missing only one game since 1968. From the 13th October until November 9th the production will travel across the country.
The play is adapted from Edwards’ book and ran successfully in Leeds in 2010 for three weeks and is based on the superfan from Kippax’s experiences. He has been able to juggle his everyday life, around his passion from the club, including a week’s long marriage and arriving via hearse to a match. The comedy follows the ups and downs of his life as well as the teams.
Gary Edwards said: “I am delighted Paint It White is returning for a tour of the country and bringing my adventures to a nationwide audience. I have got to know many fans from around the country and know it will go down well. Visiting all these theatres will be like going to Wembley every night.”
The play is also a sock-tab on the shin of Leeds-born producer and writer. For the ex-BBC journalist, it is his first play. Les Rowley said: “ In its first run on the fringes of the main theatre circuit, audiences laughed and cried in all the right places and with Leeds United there was more crying than laughing.
“The play however is about the unbelievable life of a normal bloke, and it is heartwarming to see such a character loved and admired by almost everyone he comes into contact with. You don’t even need to like football to enjoy this play.”
“It’s been a long road but the production has passed the theatrical litmus test and taking it to the Playhouse in Leeds is another step up the ladder for something that started with my first Leeds United game in the ‘70s.”
Four actors including Leeds-born actors Gary Dunnington, Johnny Dixon (Coronation Street) and Cathy Breeze (Les Miserables) all take on roles to tell the story of Edwards. The play is directed by Rayner Bourton (Rocky Horror Show) and Alun Lewis (Emmerdale).
Tour dates: 13th October Phoenix Theatre Castleford; 14th October Eden Theatre, Bishop Auckland; 16th October, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York; 17th October, Blackfriars Arts Centre, Boston; 19th October, Catrin Finch Theatre, Wrexham; 20th October, Nottingham Arts Centre; 21st October, Ilkley Playhouse, 22nd October, Muni Theatre, Colne; 25th & 26th October, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds; 27th October, The Spa Theatre, Scarborough; 28th October, Balne Lane WMC, Wakefield; 30th October, Caxton Theatre, Cleethorpes; 2nd November, The Milton Rooms, Malton; 9th November, Square Chapel Theatre, Halifax.
Tickets now on sale at venue or through paintitwhite.co.uk