one4review | On 12, Aug 2022

Long Lane Theatre return to the Fringe with their hit play The Giant Killers. First performed in 2017, the play tells the true story of football’s greatest ever underdogs, Darwen FC, who become the first working-class men’s team to compete in the FA Cup. The play is set in Lancashire in the 1870s at a time of political unrest, riots and the talk of working men forming unions to stop the mill owners forcing pay cuts on their already financially struggling workers. The mill owner’s son, who is Harrow educated and himself looked down upon by his peers because of his northern roots, has an interest in football and helps with the team’s development, as well as helping out financially. The star player, Bobby, falls in love with the Lucy, the sister of one of the founders of the team, and their relationship forms another strand of this multi-layered story. The acting is first class throughout, with just four actors playing all of the roles, and the piece is very well paced, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the 75 minutes. You do not have to like football to appreciate this play, as the social history of the period is fascinating and the inequality felt at home is equally reflected on the pitch, as the team look to battle through a series of games against the Old Etonians in search of FA Cup glory. I would highly recommend catching this play, and I don’t think you’ll come away disappointed.

****

Reviewed by Howard

Gilded Balloon Teviot – Wine Bar

12.45 (1hr 15 mins)

Until 29th August (not 16th)