1883 Issue Rallying call

by Scott Thornberry - 23rd May 2012

Darlington fans are being urged to help the club by buying tickets for Alf Ramsey Knew My Grandfather, the hit comedy play which runs at Darlington Civic Theatre from July 24 to 27.

All profits from the run of the hugely popular show will go to the 1883 DFC cause to rebuild Darlington Football Club and spokesperson Tori Gill is urging fans to help develop the show into a summer focal point for everyone in the town and beyond.

She explained: “1883 DFC have embraced this exciting initiative and we are urging every Darlington fan to get involved. This is an opportunity to make much needed funds for the club while having a great time.”

The play, which is about the team of West Auckland miners from County Durham who won the first world cup in 1909, played to sell-out crowds at Durham Gala theatre and transferred to Newcastle’s Theatre Royal where it received standing ovations. 

Directed by ITV The Bill star Mark Wingett, Alf Ramsey is about the men and women of West Auckland overcoming the odds to succeed.

Tori said: “We want this show to be the talking point of the town over the summer and for people not only to get their tickets immediately but to encourage their family and friends to come along.”

Posters, supplied by the Northern Echo, are available from the Echo offices in Darlington for anyone wanting to promote the show in their local school, pub, organisation, group or workplace. 

Fans are being urged to meet on Saturday morning at 10am in the reception of the Dolphin Centre to help put up posters and leaflets in Darlington town centre. 

Anyone who can come along is asked to just turn up. Anyone who can’t make Saturday but who wants to help publicise the show is asked to contact Tori Gill on 07841 204244.

“It would be great to flood the town with posters and leaflets so that everyone is talking about this wonderful way to combine raising money for the club and having a fantastic night out,” said Tori.

Alf Ramsey Knew My Grandfather runs at the Darlington Civic Theatre from Tuesday, July 24, to Friday 27. Tickets, which are now on sale, cost from £10 to £20. Box office: 01325 486555.