The Beautiful Game

Set in Northern Ireland in the troubled 1970s, The Beautiful Game tells the story of ordinary people in an extraordinary situation. The story is centered on a local football (soccer) team, who attempt to overcome the emerging political and religious violence that has engulfed their community. Within this are John and Mary who fall in love, but find themselves caught in the middle of a 'war' that neither of them wants.

Ben Elton’s book is told with humour and compassion, while his lyrics are both funny and heartbreaking. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s evocative score combines heart-searing ballads and stirring anthems with the sounds of Ireland.

The Beautiful Game originally opened at the Cambridge Theatre in London in September 2000. Although created almost 20 years ago, "this piece isn't really about the Irish problem but about the futility of these conflicts the world over and how they keep repeating themselves,” says Andrew Lloyd Webber. Although this is an Irish story, the themes and sentiments of The Beautiful Game are universal. All over the world communities are challenged by violence and hatred.

According to producer/director Karen Jemison, “what drew me to this show is the powerful story. What these characters go through as teenagers is both shocking and heart breaking and because the show plays out against the real struggles of Northern Ireland at that time, it makes the story even more poignant.”

“I enjoy producing musicals that audiences haven’t seen before and The Beautiful Game is a real treat. If you combine a powerful story with a beautiful Andrew Lloyd Webber score, you’ve got a fabulous show!”

The Beautiful Game is an intelligent, touching and thought provoking musical that will have you leaving the theatre with much to talk about and reflect on. It has been described as Northern Irish West Side Story.