Stage Review: Would you Bet Against Us?

 

Paul Hunter The writer and performer of Would You Bet Against Us?
A Told by An Idiot production
The Door at The Birmingham Repertory theatre May/June 2022
Photography by Manuel Harlan

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You do not have to be an Aston Villa supporter, or have interest in the game, to enjoy and appreciate Paul Hunter’s autobiographical stage play ‘Would you Bet Against Us?’ . Hunter is also the main player/actor in this delightful, humorous, (sometimes sombre), personal account of one man. A celebration of family and a shared love of football in equal measures.

Hunter, in a 'conversation with himself' online, acknowledges his acting strength comes from being ‘the short bloke from Birmingham’ (Facebook Watch, 2021.), this idea, rather than opting for a classical style delivery is his forte. My theatre buddy, and I (the reviewer), always enjoy the comedy and physicality of Hunter’s performances. In this piece Hunter interweaves all of his honed skills, giving a personal recollection in regard to the lead up to ‘the Villa’s’ European Cup 1 – 0 win against Bayern Munich in 1982. This play also reveals the laughter and the pains attached to chasing an early desire to do drama and to be an actor.

KYLL THOMASCOLE (he/him), LORI HOPKINS (she/her), PAUL HUNTER (he/him) Writer, Director and Performer, HEATHER LAI (she/her)
Would You Bet Against Us? A Told by an Idiot/Birmingham Rep production
Photography by Manuel Harlan

In his own mimicable style Hunter has great observational fun recalling publicised news attached to the run up to the cup event. This includes Hunter performing monologues as manager, Ron Saunders. He also details the shock departure of Saunders before the big match itself. In other words, performing alongside his supporting ensemble cast of three dynamic, young actors, he is able to celebrate the evocation of the game at what could be deemed a golden time in the club’s history when key players were Dennis Mortimer and Tony Morely. This is Hunter sharing his first-hand memories of his club in entertaining ways utilising a small, but beautifully made rod puppet and handmade props to help things along.

A play that is full of heart, energy and surprise!

Showing at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre until 04 June 2022.

CAST

PAUL HUNTER (he/him) Writer, Artistic Director and Performer

LORI HOPKINS (she/her)

HEATHER LAI (she/her)

KYLL THOMASCOLE (he/him)

DIRECTORS

MICHAEL VALE (he/him) Associate Director

URSULA MARTINEZ (she/her) Associate Director

RACHEL LEONARD (she/her) Puppetry Director

TECHNICAL CREW AND CREATIVES

SOPHIA CLIST (she/her) Set & Costume Designer

LUCY ADAMS (she/her) Lighting Designer

ESTHER KEHINDE AJAYI Sound Designer & Composer

ETTA MURFITT (she/her) Dance Choreographer

LYNDIE WRIGHT Puppet Designer and Maker

Stage Review by critic Debra Hall who attended the press night performance of 'Would You Bet Against Us? at The Door, The Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Monday 23 May 7.00 pm

REFERENCES

A Birmingham Rep and Told by an Idiot production (2022). ' Would you Bet Against Us?'  Sheet Information.pdf file

Harlan, M. (2022)  ' Would you Bet Against Us?' production photography

Hunter, P. (2021)  'Paul Hunter in Conversation With Himself'. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1058105497997346