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Tissue Paper Gladiators

  • Writer: Heidi Barber
    Heidi Barber
  • Jun 12
  • 2 min read
Mark Roberts and Steve Farr. Photo courtesy of Richard Smith Photography, Loft Theatre.
Mark Roberts and Steve Farr. Photo courtesy of Richard Smith Photography, Loft Theatre.

UP ‘N’ UNDER written by John Godber, directed by Lorna Middleton, at the Loft Theatre Company, Leamington Spa, from Wednesday 11 June – Saturday 21 June.

Review by Heidi Barber.


This comedy by English playwright John Godber was first staged at the Hull Truck Theatre in 1984 and it went on to win The Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy that same year and it’s easy to see why.


In the opening scenes we are introduced to Arthur Hoyle (Mark Roberts) and Reg Welsh (Steve Farr), two northern rugby league ex-players who have history. Their resentment and animosity towards each other results in a reckless bet between the two men.


As we are told in those first scenes, Rugby league, the working man’s rugby, began in 1895 in Yorkshire and the sport holds a special place in the heart of many northerners. Not surprising then, that Reg’s presence on the board that banned Arthur from the sport, would leave him with some loathing towards his rival.

(L-R) Harrison Horsley, Rosie Pankhurst, Connor Bailey, Simon Truscott, Charlie Longman, Mark Roberts. Photo courtesy of Richard Smith Photography, Loft Theatre.
(L-R) Harrison Horsley, Rosie Pankhurst, Connor Bailey, Simon Truscott, Charlie Longman, Mark Roberts. Photo courtesy of Richard Smith Photography, Loft Theatre.

The foolish bet revolves around two pub rugby teams; The depleted and ragged amateurs from the Wheatsheaf Arms and Reg’s undefeated Cobblers Arms team.


Arthur’s introduction to the Wheatsheaf players leaves him feeling a sense of hopelessness and initially it seems as though Arthur has no chance of winning his bet until he meets, and teams up with Hazel Scott (Rosie Pankhurst) a female fitness guru. Despite the fact that the team members spend more time in the pub than on the pitch, Hazel manages to persuade them to train in her gym and slowly begin to believe in themselves.

(L-R) Simon Truscott, Connor Bailey, Harrison Horsley, Charlie Longman, Rosie Pankhurst. Photo courtesy of Richard Smith Photography, Loft Theatre.
(L-R) Simon Truscott, Connor Bailey, Harrison Horsley, Charlie Longman, Rosie Pankhurst. Photo courtesy of Richard Smith Photography, Loft Theatre.

The final scenes are cleverly orchestrated as the cast make use of double-sided rugby shirts to represent the gripping and climatic big match showdown between the two arch rivals. In true underdog style, the hopeless Wheatsheaf Arm’s players put up a dramatic fight in a closely contested and thrilling game.


 This is an entertaining production that will have you chuckling away to yourself and willing on its heroes to succeed. The strong ensemble cast have great comedic timing and the comradery amongst the team shines through in their engaging performances.




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