World Cup Glory Hits BOV this summer

Bristol Old Vic today (8 April) announced its summer 2014 show; a celebration of England’s footballing icons. World Cup Final 1966 follows Bobby Moore, Nobby Stiles and the Charlton Brothers: the team of legendary heroes and ordinary men that won a 12" golden statuette and a permanent place in the hearts of a nation.

1966: A year when Cassius Clay defeats Henry Cooper, Harold Wilson sweeps to victory, mini-skirts hit new heights and the Beatles are "more popular than Jesus". But nothing can eclipse England’s greatest sporting moment.

The production runs throughout this year’s 2014 FIFA World Cup from 12 June to 12 July. It follows the path to glory of the players and manager of the 1966 team, as well as culminating in a full-scale re-enactment of the 1966 World Cup final on stage.

The production is written and directed by Bristol Old Vic’s Tom Morris and long-time collaborator Carl Heap who previously co-wrote and directed Ben Hur and Jason and the Argonauts (both BAC). Last seen on tour in 2005 following a run at London's BAC, it has now been re-written for Bristol and aims to be a celebration of the 2014 World Cup Tournament.

Morris has been artistic director at Bristol Old Vic since 2009, where his credits include production of Swallows and Amazons (returning this Christmas), Juliet and her Romeo and the internationally touring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Heap co-founded (with Dick McCaw) the popular touring company, The Medieval Players, and was its artistic director for 9 years.

Designer Katie Sykes has worked for Bristol Old Vic on numerous productions including The Boy Who Cried Wolf!, Peter Pan and Treasure Island. She also designed the Olivier nominated Cinderella (Tobacco Factory/St James Theatre), Boing! (Travelling Light/Sadler’s Wells) and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Kenny Wax Productions).

For more details and to book tickets go to www.bristololdvic.org

– Kris Hallett