THE Cotswold Playhouse will be getting in the spirit for the Rugby World Cup with the arrival of Hands Up for Jonny Wilkinson’s Right Boot, on September 11-12.

Staged by Live Wire Theatre and supported by The Arts Council, the play stars Giles Coram, Hannah Douglas, Moria Hunt and George Williams.

Three ardent rugby fans argue about the greatest moment in the game’s history. Is it Nelson Mandela presenting South African captain Francois Piennarr with the World Cup in 1997, Jonah Lomu’s four tries for New Zealand against England in the same year, or Jonny Wilkinson’s dramatic last minute drop goal in the 2003 World Cup Final? A mysterious stranger arrives and offers an option involving Cornish tin miner, Fredrick Stanley Jackson, who was part of the first British Lions tour to New Zealand in 1908.

The play travels back and forth from the present day to the early 1900s and taking in all these moments and more as it tries to come to a decision on the greatest moment.

A fast paced comedy incorporating song, physical theatre and a re-enactment of the All-Blacks legendary Haka, the play sees the four actors swap roles at breakneck speed to bring some of rugby’s greatest players to life.

Commenting on the forthcoming production, director Shane Morgan said; “Live Wire Theatre has assembled a stellar cast for what promises to be a rollicking rugby romp to delight audiences of all ages.

  • HANDS Up for Jonny Wilkinson’s Right Boot comes to The Cotswold Playhouse, Stroud; September 11-13. For more information and tickets visit cotswoldplayhouse.co.uk