CityLife

And Did Those Feet

And Did Those Feet

And Did Those Feet
Octagon Theatre, Bolton
March 12, 2010

Having been drawn to Bolton Wanderers by my grandad and then later initiating my two sons into the throng, I’m an ideal target for a play which celebrates 't’Trotters’ hold on folk.

My grandad cheered at the famous 'White Horse' FA Cup Final of 1923, the first to be held at the new Wembley Stadium, which is the focus of the play – and 30 years later I wept at the infamous “Matthews” final when the Lily Whites capitulated to the tangerines of Blackpool.

Perhaps local writers and diehard supporters Les Smith and Martin Thomasson could be persuaded to tackle that game – and the social issues of the 1950s. But I doubt it would have the same pull as the 1920s, when the poor good folk of Spinners Lane faced hardship, short time and the dole queues, as the spinning mills, coal mines and foundries suffered.

Then, hope in the Wanderers’ progress in the cup was the things that lifted their spirits and gave them something to shout about.

On a screen above the football-terrace set, the team’s progress to the final is charted. Chirpy Bob Stott (Martin Barrass), the newsagent, prepares to walk the 212 miles from the two lions on the Town Hall steps to the twin towers of Wembley.

Ted Aspinall (Martin Letheren) wrestles with the twin problems of his wedding day to religious Martha Platt (Naomi Radcliffe – no relation) being fixed for the same day as the Cup Final and the left-wing politics of his unemployed brother (Curtis Cole). And Hilda and Alf Platt (Susan Twist and Huw Higginson) still mourn their loss in the war of their football-mad son, Billy (Chris Finch).

In a series of fast-moving short scenes on an open stage, their stories unfold, held together by the thread of the Wanderers’ advance. It’s a funny, sentimental, heart-warming tale, told and performed with conviction under the thoughtful direction of Mark Babych, the Octagon’s former artistic director, as it was the first time round two years ago.

A couple of quibbles. Because it is played on an open stage, you don’t get much atmosphere of a cobbled, rain-soaked, miserable street – and some of the accents veer towards East Lancashire (as in “park” and “corner”). 

But if you saw the original production, as I did, you will surely welcome the chance to see it again. And if you didn’t, don’t miss it. You don’t have to be a Boltonian and football fan to enjoy it and relish the local jibes, but it helps. 

Until 10 April. Tickets £9.00 - £18.50  Tel: 01204 520661 www.octagonbolton.co.uk.