There’s something special about watching a play start off in the Fringe Theatre and end up in a West End Theatre, even if it is for just one night. This is exactly what Alex Hill has done with his production Why I Stuck a Flare up my Arse for England.

The story is based around the love of football. From a very early age Billy Kinley (Alex Hill) has loved football and sharing his love of the game is his best mate Adam. They do all their first adventures together and share the excitement of watching live football together.

The play is inspired by a real-life, viral incident from the 2021 Euro Championship Final, still available to be watched if you decide to.

However, Hill uses this dangerous event to explore further into the darker side of football fan culture, plenty of unhealthy toxic masculinity. Risking everything to fit in with other “hardcore” football fans whose idea of fun is fighting, “coke,” and getting drunk every weekend.

There’s no definitive happy ever after in this play, just a healthy dose of reality for Billy, who has lost everything, including himself during these crazy weekends. As he pauses for thought and reflects, there is a chance that he can turn his life around before it’s too late.

The set hasn’t changed from its humble Fringe Theatre beginnings. The tapestry of England St George flags at the back of the stage and the small make shift bar area. Of course, the star of the show “the flare” that takes centre stage on a couple of occasions.

Hill is an incredibly talented performer whose understanding of his character Billy brings the performance to life. Although this is based in 2021, football culture hasn’t changed much over the years. Passion, alcohol. drugs and violence are a deeprooted part of the football history, and it still echoes five years on.

Five Stars.

https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/why-i-stuck-a-flare-up-my-arse-for-england/