An Evening with Gary Lineker

Opening Remarks

When Mark Walker invited me to attend Bonkers Theatrical (‘Bonkers’) latest production, ‘An Evening with Gary Lineker’, I groaned a little. This is because I HATE football. I mean literally HATE it! I thought: “Ummm, will this be the first Bonkers production I do not enjoy?”. No chance! I loved Mark’s latest production and, I should have known better to even consider otherwise: Mark, as a multi-award-winning director, knows best!  

I warmly congratulate and thank Mark and all the cast, crew, and wider team at Bonkers for another brilliant evening of live entertainment. I think the highest accolade I can offer is that you made a football-hater love a show about – well kind of about – football! I particularly applaud Mark, for once again, finding a unique, extremely funny, but equally thought-provoking script.

The Show

When I heard the title of the show, ‘An Evening with Gary Lineker’, I had no idea what to expect. My only thought was, “What on this Earth is this going to be about?”. I had visions of an actor portraying Gary Lineker as he was interviewed by someone like Parkinson. How wrong was I?!

Arthur Smith and Chris England’s script is set during the 1990 World Cup, in particular the day of the Semi-Final between England and Germany. The plot follows the interpersonal relationship of Bill and Monica, a married couple, who are on holiday in Majorca. Bill, a football fanatic, puts the holiday on hold to watch the big game. However, Bill – despite trying – cannot seem to put his life and marriage on hold for the footie: Bill is joined by friends Dan and Ian, and a German tourist rep, Birgitta, who collectively result in various distractions from the game. However, the biggest obstacle to Bill enjoying the Semi-Final is his rocky marriage: his wife, Monica dreams of an affair with Gary Lineker, the ‘Queen Mother of Football’, but has been seeing Bill’s friend Dan, a travel writer, for some time. Through ninety minutes, extra time, and the infamous penalty shootout, the field of battle switches between the hotel and the Italian football pitch as Monica, Bill and the England team approach the inevitable: heartbreak and failure.

The script was brilliant. It was funny and light-hearted. But it was also tender and thought-provoking, causing the audience to process the emotions of an unhappy wife that has spent her entire marriage coming second to football, to learn the grass will not be greener on the other pitch!

Creatives

Direction by Mark was, once again and as always, of the highest standard. I enjoyed, in particular, the use of freeze frames and stage zoning when characters addressed the audience. I also thought scene transitions were handled creatively and with ease. Mark, as he always does, had brought out the best in his cast, ensuring that all on stage had clear character definition, excellent stage presence, and outstanding interaction with one-another.

Cast

The cast was outstanding and perfectly suited to each of their roles. Jane Walker (Monica), Alan Galway (Bill), Seb Goss (Dan), Martin Grover (Ian), and San Hammonds (Birgitta) all did brilliantly! The interaction between all on stage was outstanding and the character work was superb, second to none.

I enjoyed very much the relational work created by Jane, Alan, and Seb. Brilliant.

I want to specially mention the work of Jane, who I have not had the pleasure of seeing perform before. Jane’s work was outstanding. She had everyone in the audience feeling her pain one moment and then laughing with her the next.

I also recognise the work of Bob Mutch who provided several swing roles for the show, but – most importantly – was also, for a fleeting moment, Gary Lineker. As ever, Bob’s work is of a high standard.

I congratulate all concerned on the extremely high standard of their work on stage. It was clear that the audience – even (not joking!) the two German patrons sat next to me – were thoroughly enjoying the production created.

Production

The set was excellent, and the versatility added via the folding flat was brilliant. The properties were, as I always see at Bonkers, of an equally high and realistic standard. Great attention to detail had been paid to the dressing of the set, which I appreciated greatly.

The costumes were reflective of the play and overall production.

The lighting design was excellent. The sound effects were managed with professionalism and the stage management was outstanding.

Closing remarks

My warmest congratulations for a brilliant production of ‘An Evening with Gary Lineker’.

I thank Bonkers for the hospitality shown to me upon my visit. I look forward to seeing the company’s next production.

Luke Campbell

Regional Representative, NODA East Midlands District 7

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