"Why I Stuck a Flare Up My A**e For England" comes to Macready Theatre with a focus on men's mental health
Prepare for a hilarious and thought-provoking theatrical experience as "Why I Stuck a Flare Up My A**e For England" comes to Macready Theatre on January 26th and 27th, 7:30pm, 2025.
This blisteringly funny new play, written and performed by Alex Hill, follows Billy and Adam, two lifelong football fanatics whose unwavering devotion to their team takes a wild and unexpected turn.
When Billy's viral stunt at the EURO 2020 Final – sticking a flare up his own backside – catapults him to internet fame, their lives are thrown into disarray. As they navigate the fallout, the play delves into the complexities of belonging, the power of friendship, and the intoxicating fervour of football fandom, while also touching upon important themes of masculinity and mental health.
Macready Theatre is joining forces with NHS Talking Therapies Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull and It Takes Balls To Talk to raise awareness of men's mental health.
"Men's mental health remains an issue which is compounded as it is not widely discussed," explains Alastair Penman, Director of Adult and Older People's Mental Health Services. "This demographic is at higher risk of substance abuse, violence, and suicide. Together, we can break the silence and build stronger mental wellbeing, one conversation at a time."
Following the Sunday 26th January performance, there will be a post-show Q&A session involving Writer and Performer Alex Hill, clinicians from NHS Talking Therapies, and the Founder of It Takes Balls To Talk. This will provide audience members with a valuable opportunity to engage in a deeper discussion about men's mental health.
Amie Johnson, Theatre Manager at Macready Theatre, said: "We are thrilled to bring this important and entertaining production to Rugby. 'Why I Stuck a Flare Up My A**e For England' is not only hilarious but also offers a poignant exploration of masculinity and mental health. By partnering with NHS Talking Therapies and It Takes Balls To Talk, we hope to raise awareness of this crucial issue and encourage open conversations within our community."
"Why I Stuck a Flare Up My A**e For England" has garnered rave reviews from critics:
★★★★★ "Boozy, ballsy, brilliantly executed" – Entertainment Now
★★★★★ "A gem of a play" – Broadway Baby
★★★★★ "As beautiful as it is thought-provoking" – Corr Blimey
Don't miss this unforgettable and thought-provoking theatrical experience at Macready Theatre.
To purchase tickets or learn more about "Why I Stuck a Flare Up My A**e For England" visit www.macreadytheatre.co.uk
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Notes to Editors
About Macready Theatre
Macready Theatre offers competitively priced professional theatre on your doorstep all year round, with a continued vision of celebrating the arts in Rugby. This year alone the charming theatre have programmed performances from world-class theatre companies including VAMOS and Flabbergast Theatre, not to mention the bi-monthly Manford’s Comedy Club that features comedians from the best of the UK and International comedy circuit, hand-picked by Jason Manford.