Last week, the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) requested a performance of the Bishop United Radio Play at Heritage Park.
There was a very good turn out and the cast delivered an excellent performance to an attentive and convivial audience.
The play tells the almost forgotten story of how a non-league football club in the NE, Bishop Auckland, had been the main club to offer significant support to Manchester United following the Munich air disaster on 6 February 1958.
The first act reveals the close relationship between Sir Matt Busby and Bob Hardesty and makes references to the many successes of Bishop Auckland football club in the 1950’s leading up to the air disaster.
On many occasions the club has been referred to being the ‘greatest amateur football club in the world’ until amateur status was abolished in 1974.
The second and final act records events leading up to Munich and how Bishop supported Manchester United through a traumatic period in their club’s history.
Moving on from the performance, Bishop United CIC has exchanged letters of intent to work together with north eastern film production company Media Borne to deliver either a documentary, film or drama that recounts the story.
They are in discussions with major players in the TV and film industry who are very keen to take on the project.
Meanwhile, if any theatre, association, institution, club or public house would like the play performed on their premises, contact John Rowell by email at john[@]bishopunited[.]co[.]uk. There is also a website for more information.
The performance comes free, apart from requesting a donation from the audience which helps to support the running costs of the show.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
