The cast of the New Vic Theatre’s latest show recently had a ‘Marvellous’ day out at the Bet365 Stadium.
They were joined by Stoke City FC’s former kitman Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin, whose life the play is based on.
Back by popular demand, Marvellous is now on stage at the New Vic until Saturday 8th October, after its first smash-hit run earlier this year.
Helping the original cast of seven get back into character, ready for the show to reopen, Nello showed them around his beloved football ground – and even pointed out his usual seat where he watches the games.
Cast members Suzanne Ahmet, Charlie Bence, Gareth Cassidy, Alex Frost, Michael Hugo, Jerone Marsh-Reid and Daniel Murphy recreated key moments from the play (and Neil’s real life) including him giving advice to former Stoke City FC manager Lou Macari in the dugout dressed as a Chicken.
For most of the cast this was their first ever visit to the ground.
Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin, who helped to create the play about his life, said: “When I was told we could get all the cast together to visit the ground, I thought that was lovely.
“It’s my team, I go to nearly every game, I’m glad I was there as kitman and it’s great to be there again.
“I think some of the cast – although this was their first time there – will be back.
“I enjoyed heading the ball with Michael Hugo by the pitch. It brought back lovely memories.”
Stoke City FC head of community, Adrian Hurst said: “We were delighted to host the cast of Marvellous for a photo shoot at the Bet365 Stadium.
“For many people, including Neil, the stadium is a special place and to experience it without a passionate crowd is most unusual.”
Following its performances at the New Vic, Marvellous will head to London where it will be the opening production at @sohoplace which is the first new West End theatre to be built in 50 years.
Tickets for Marvellous at the New Vic are on sale now.
For more details and to book, please call the box office on 01782 717 962 or newvictheatre.org.uk
Photos credit: Andrew Billington
Listings
Marvellous
By Neil Baldwin and Malcolm Clarke
Adapted for the stage by Neil Baldwin and Theresa Heskins
Directed by Theresa Heskins
(Presented with the permission of Bonnier Books UK Limited)
Creative Team:
Director, Theresa Heskins
Designer Lis Evans
Original Musical Director/Composer, Conrad Nelson
Additional Musical Director/Composer, James Atherton
Movement Director, Beverley Norris-Edmunds
Lighting and Projection Designer, Daniella Beattie
Original Sound Designer, James Earls-Davis
Additional Sound Design, Alex Day
Associate Director, Caroline Wilkes
Casting Associate, Anji Carroll CDG
Personal Assistant to neurodiverse actors, Jenny Holford
Cast:
Suzanne Ahmet, Suzanne
Charlie Bence, Charlie
Gareth Cassidy, Gareth
Alex Frost, Alex
Michael Hugo, Mike
Jerone Marsh-Reid, Jerone
Daniel Murphy, Daniel
Performance schedule
September
Sat 17th – 7.30pm
Tue 20th – 7.30pm
Thu 22nd – 7.30pm
Fri 23rd – 7.30pm
Sat 24th – 2.15pm & 7.30pm
Tue 27th – 7.30pm
Wed 28th – 7.30pm
Thu 29th – 7.30pm
Fri 30th – 7.30pm
October
Sat 1st – 7.30pm
Tue 4th – 7.30pm
Wed 5th – 7.30pm
Thu 6th – 2.15pm & 7.30pm
Fri 7th – 7.30pm
Sat 8th – 2.15pm & 7.30pm
(No performances on 18, 19, 21, 25, 26 September, and 2, 3 October.)
Tickets:
Prices: £18.50 – £27.50
Concessions: £2 off
Group discounts: £2 off for ten or more
Four friends for £76
Under 16s Go Free
Under 26s Go Free
Accessible performances
- Audio described performance
Saturday 8th October, 2.15pm
- Captioned performance
Tuesday 4th October, 7.30pm
- Relaxed performance
Saturday 8th October, 2.15pm
- Socially-distanced performances
Thursday 22nd September, 7.30pm
Saturday 24th September, 2.15pm
