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Alan Ball's career celebrated in play

Wednesday, 29 March, 2017 5comments  |  Jump to most recent

The life and career of Everton Giant, Alan Ball, is being celebrated in a new play coming to theatres across Merseyside.

‘Ball of Fire' charts the rise of Alan Ball who, in his short 61-years, became a World Cup winner and Everton legend — playing 975 matches in 21 years for seven clubs, before managing six himself.

Ball signed for Everton in 1966 after his England success, in the most expensive transfer of its time. He settled into the celebrated Holy Trinity of Kendall, Harvey and Ball — playing 208 league games and scoring 66 goals for the Blues, he was also part of the 1969-70 league winning team.

The production features ex-Everton winger, Ronny Goodlass, in the role of narrator and fan favourite Michael Cullen, aka Speedo Mick, as the well-known Toffee, Eddie Cavanagh.

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Produced by Blue Park Company and coming to Liverpool on Friday 4 August, the play gives audiences a chance to experience what life was like performing on football's world stage, 10 years after Ball sadly passed away from a heart-attack.

David Prentice, Liverpool Echo Sports Editor, said: “Ball of fire is an unmissable play for Everton and England fans alike, as it provides a great insight into the life and times of a true footballing legend.”

Ronny Goodlass added: “Alan was a footballing dynamo who terrorised the world's best defences and his success spanned both domestic and international triumphs.

“We're really looking forward to giving audiences the chance to understand Bally for themselves and celebrate a life which truly shaped this country's footballing history. We hope that Everton fans can join us on the journey!” 

Theatre and football fans alike can get their hands-on tickets for just £18 by visiting www.blueparktheatrecompany.co.uk. Showings also include: The Atkinson Theatre, Southport (29 July), St. Helens Theatre Royal (3 August), Epstein Theatre Liverpool (4 August) and New Brighton Floral Pavilion Theatre (5/6 August).

 

Reader Comments (5)

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Will Mabon
1 Posted 30/03/2017 at 05:13:15
Not the world's biggest theatre fan but this might be interesting.
Dave Abrahams
2 Posted 30/03/2017 at 15:29:28
It's a relatively new play, it has been around a bit, it was shown on the Epstein Theatre last summer and has also been shown in St Helens. I believe it got good reviews.

I think Alan Ball's son might have been used in some capacity. It is part play and also uses film action of Alan as a player, which will be great for those fans who where unlucky not to see him.

Brian Wilkinson
3 Posted 30/03/2017 at 16:18:14
Could have chose a better title in regards to his passing away, Something with white boots in the title.

Not really a play goer but will pay a visit to watch this.

Dennis Stevens
4 Posted 31/03/2017 at 10:19:48
Brian, the name of the play is also the title of one of Ball's autobiographies from back in the day.
Brian Wilkinson
5 Posted 02/04/2017 at 16:51:49
Should be a good play, Dennis, have you heard anything about the Alex Young film they were working on?

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