Theatre News

George Best Musical Premieres in Belfast, 28 Jul

| London's West End |

15 June 2010

A new musical about the colourful and ultimately tragic life of football legend George Best will premiere at Belfast’s Grand Opera House next month.

Dancing Shoes: The George Best Story, runs from 28 July to 14 August 2010 and is written by leading Irish playwrights Martin Lynch (Long Kesh) and Marie Jones (Stones in his Pockets).

The music and lyrics are by Scottish singer-songwriter JJ Gilmour and Pat Gribben, a former member of Belfast pop group The Adventures.

According to publicity material, “Dancing Shoes tells of the turbulent and colourful life of one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen.

“From his childhood days kicking a tennis ball against a gable wall on the Cregagh estate to a life of fame, fortune and controversy, this story has it all.”

Belfast-born Best was a Manchester United legend and is considered one of the most naturally gifted footballers of all time. However, his movie star lifestyle and battle with alcoholism took its toll, eventually leading to his death in 2005 from complications following a liver transplant.

Peter Sheridan will direct a cast led by local actor Aidan O’Neill as George Best, alongside and all-Irish cast including Alana Kerr, Kerri Quinn, Maria Connolly, Paddy Jenkins, Conor Grimes, Matthew McElhinney, Marty Maguire and Packy Lee.