The second run of The Goal starts at Hereford's Courtyard next Friday.
Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.courtyard.org.uk/events/the-goal/
The Goal first took place in 2018.
Here's BN review from the original production written by Karen Compton
As
we took our seats we had no idea we were stepping onto a rollercoaster –
the 70’s soundtrack made us sing, references to choppers, Corona pop,
parkers and flares gave us wonderful flashbacks, the developing
relationships warmed our souls and made us shed a tear and the whole
journey was about one of the most monumental seasons in Hereford United’s
history.
Written by Nick Lane and directed by Ian Archer, The Goal is based on that special day – February 5 1972. The day a joiner from West Yorkshire, Ronnie Radford, lashed a glorious 35-yard shot past a despairing keeper and into the corner of the net at the Meadow End, Edgar Street.
But that iconic moment is just one element in a clever, well written and fantastically acted comedy drama that explores the magic that can happen when six kids from different backgrounds come together with a shared passion for the beautiful game.
Chris, Bob, Dan, Yorkie, Twig and Brian meet when they sign up to be ball boys with Hereford United. Their unlikely friendships blossom as they spend the season on the touchlines at Edgar Street watching their heroes, getting to know each other, swapping stories and secrets.
Actors James Holmes (Bobby Fenton), Tom Bevan (Chris Brewer), Kate Powell (Dan Beech), Matthew Booth (Alan ‘Yorkie’ Ibbotson), Ewan Goddard (Phillip ‘Twig’ Wood) and Charlie Quirke (Brian Thorp) transformed on the stage before our eyes into teenagers, embodying all the angst of adolescence.
But they played not only the star roles but a cast of thousands in the bittersweet comedy which recollected Hereford United’s historic FA Cup 3rd round victory over Newcastle United.
The quality of the writing ensured every member of the audience connected with each of the ballboys, enjoying their laugh-out loud one-liners, and sharing their woes.
The props were simple and sparse, the scenery was a screen used to show footage of the game and Hereford landmarks, and it all allowed the wonderful characters to shine through.
With its mix of nostalgia, humour and excitement, The Goal is a fitting tribute to a momentous occasion that still lives in the heart of Herefordshire.
The Goal isn’t just about football, not even just that one goal – it’s about celebrating friendship, love and a sense of belonging.