It's hard not to believe in Confessions Of A City Supporter

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Monday, May 25, 2009
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This is HullandEastRiding

As Dean Windass's volley burst against the back of the net at Wembley last May, another drama was in the making.

Among the watching crowd at Hull City's historic play-off final win was Gareth Tudor Price – Hull Truck's artistic director – who, as the final whistle sounded, was accosted by a local radio reporter.

"The question was 'Are you going to revive Confessions Of A City Supporter?'," Gareth said.

"It was something that I had been turning over for a while. I said 'yes' and got on the phone to Alan Plater to tell him 'It's on'."

Plater's drama, following a family of Hull City supporters over a century of highs and lows, has returned to Hull Truck Theatre.

First performed in 2004, the performance – starring Martin Barrass, Úna McNulty and Roy North – rattles back and forth across 100 years or so in the history of the football club.

But rather than being a simple play, the production, according to Gareth and Martin, steers more towards the territory of stand-up.

"You do not have to be a football fan to enjoy it," said Gareth, who directs this new production. "It's these great snapshot scenes of this family. Alan wrote it almost like a stand-up. It's very up-front, very presented in the way the actors talk to the audience – there are lots of visuals of the football club, there's 120 images beamed on to two screens."

Reprising the multiple roles he played five years ago, Martin said his performance notes pointed towards the BBC's election night presenter Peter Snow – he of the swingometer fame.

"It's got that sparky element," Martin said.

"It feels like a big top when you go in. The way it's lit and with the set, it's like being in an arena.

"It's quite an experience and certainly for an actor to be there to be facing all these people who are like minded is extraordinary.

"Sometimes, theatre and sport have so many parallels."

The last time Confessions was performed, at Truck's old home on Spring Street, crowds turned up in Hull City shirts.

And for this production at the new theatre on Ferensway, there'll be a range of memorabilia leant by the public on show – including a Tiger mascot, thought to date back at least to the 1930s, which "growls" as the tail is pulled.

It emphasises where the team has come from and the continued devotion of City fans.

"There's a line I have," said Martin.

"Whatever happens, you have to believe – you have to go on believing."

*Confessions Of A City Supporter is on at Hull Truck Theatre, Ferensway, Hull, until Saturday, June 13, 7.30pm.

Tickets are £9-£18, call the box office on (01482) 323638

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    by Em, Hull

    Wednesday, June 03 2009, 11:46AM

    “This play is absolutely brilliant, written by Alan Plater (genius) and directed by Gareth Tudor-Price (also genius). Una, Martin and Roy were outstanding and very very funny. I am proud to be from Hull and feel even more so today. I haven't seen my Dad (who has supported Hull City for 50 years) laugh so much. We thoroughly enjoyed it. And what a stunning new theatre - well done to you all !! Its a must see.”

  • Profile image for This is HullandEastRiding

    by mike, hull

    Monday, June 01 2009, 5:48PM

    “What a witty show..all those who havent seen it must go and those who have seen it must go again ..a superb cast who have like us lived the dream...and can we start a campaign too get John Gobder an O.B.E”

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