Cast announced for The Greater Game at the Southwark Playhouse

/theatres/southwark-playhouseNick Hancock stars in new World War drama.

A new production comes to the Southwark Playhouse as part of the commemorations for the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. The Greater Game by Michael Head is based on the book "They Took the Lead" by Stephen Jenkins and tells the story of the football team who volunteered en masse to fight for their country. It runs from 15 September to 15 October 2016 with an official opening on 19 September 2016.

"East London football club Leyton Orient, then known as Clapton Orient, was the first team to sign up its players, staff and supporters to fight in the Great War. 41 men volunteered in all. Three of them never returned." The production is sponsored by the Royal British Legion, supported by the PFA and is part of Sports Remembers.

The production will star Nick Hancock as manager Billy Holmes. Known as an actor and TV presenter, he hosted They Think It's All Over for over ten years and Room 101 as well as acting in Mr Bean, Me, You and Him and the forthcoming Jo Brand Channel 4 comedy Damned.

He is joined by Charlie Clements, Danny Walters, Greg Baxter, Charlie Eales, Peter Hannah, Michael Head, Will Howard, Connor Kelly, Patsy Lowe, Graeme McKnight and Laura Webb.

Directed by Tilly Vosburgh, it will be designed by Suzie Inglis with lighting design by Ben Wallace and sound design by John Leonard.

The production is presented by LAPA sponsored by The Royal British Legion in association with The PFA, Stephen Jenkins and Peter Kitchen.

Tickets for the production are now on sale.