Up 'n' Under at The Loft
- ann-evans
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Up ‘n’ Under written by John Godber. Directed by Lorna Middleton. Playing at The Loft Theatre, Royal Leamington Spa from 11 – 21 June 2025.
Preview
Up ‘n’ Under is a riotous Olivier Award-winning comedy about a depleted and ragged amateur rugby league team, who are audaciously taking on their arch-rivals. The play follows Arthur, a former professional, who’s tasked with training the Wheatsheaf Arms, a team that’s never won a game and spends more time in the pub than on the pitch. Arthur enlists the help of Hazel, a female fitness guru, to turn the team around.
John Godber is a prolific playwright known for his hits Teechers, Bouncers, and April in Paris. He was the Artistic Director of Hull Truck Theatre Company for 26 years and early in his appointment, realising that in Hull a ticket to the rugby was probably more popular than to the theatre, he wrote Up ‘n Under to tempt the sports loving locals.
It was a huge hit when it premiered and continues to delight audiences everywhere.
(L-R) Simon Truscott, Connor Bailey, Harrison Horsley, Charlie Longman, Rosie Pankhurst. Photo courtesy of Richard Smith Photography, Loft Theatre.
Director Lorna Middleton comments: “Godber’s writing is razor-sharp, blending physical comedy with raw emotion and punchy dialogue. The play barrels forward with high energy and constant laughs, but it’s the characters’ grit, vulnerability, and genuine growth that keep the audience rooting for them.”
Tickets can be booked online at www.lofttheatrecompany.com, by emailing boxoffice@lofttheatrecompany.com, or by calling 01926 830 680 (answer phone service).
To take advantage of the Loft’s free ticket offer for theatregoers aged 16-25, either book in advance or email the Box Office, or obtain your ticket on the night (please bring proof of age).
This amateur production of Up ‘n’ Under is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
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