Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson

Synopsis

Follows the elation over England's victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in which flyhalf - and pin-up - Wilkinson played a pivotal role with a drop goal just 26 seconds from the end of extra-time in the championship match. The final score in Sydney, against home side Australia, was 17-20.

Our Review:

28 April 2006

Chris England and Arthur Smith's West End hit An Evening with Gary Lineker took a wryly comic look at a group of football fans watching England lose on penalties to Germany in the 1990 World Cup semi-final.

Now England (the author, that is) has written an entertaining, if lightweight, comedy about members of a rugby club watching TV coverage of the 1993 World Cup Final between England and Australia, which was famously won by Jonny Wilkinson scoring a drop-goal in the last few minutes of extra-time.

This somewhat belated tribute to that legendary moment seems all the more nostalgic now as hero Wilkinson hasn't played for England since then, due to constant injury, and the team itself has gone rapidly downhill. While not as funny as An Evening with Gary Lineker, or as socially observant as John Godber's sports comedies, Breakfast with Jonny Wilkinson pokes gentle fun at followers of competitive sport, as well as playing on the trad...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

62.6.139.13) - 5 June 2006:

Extremely enjoyable and, as a member of my local rugby club, I can vouch for the accuracy of the characterisation. Amongst a universally excellent ensemble particular mention should go to Norman Pace who superbly encapsulates the role of the chairman who puts the club at the centre of his otherwise sad and tragic life. However, this is primarily an uproarious comedy and would suely prove an enormous hit on tour if promoted properly. Unfortunately the Menier's audience was very sparse but what an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Less than an hour's drive from home, free parking right outside the venue (so no money for Livingstone) and a joyous couple of hours in this friendly and intimate venue....

Read more and add your own review