Jumpers for Goalposts

Jumpers for Goalposts
By Tom Wells. Directed by Tom Healey. Red Stitch Theatre Company, St Kilda. November 19 – December 20, 2014

Jumpers for Goalposts is a beautifully written, thought-provoking play – the title refers to the predilection of English folk to improvise a game of soccer using whatever facilities are to hand. ‘Barely Athletic’ are an amateur soccer team consisting of three gay men and one token straight, none of whom appear to be any great shakes as players. This doesn’t stop their lesbian coach Viv from being determined that they’re going to win a trophy which she can proudly display on the wall of her pub.

But this is not really a play about the British national sport – rather it’s a love story between two young men, one of whom is a bookish, insecure virgin, and the other a likeable, decent bloke burdened with an awkward secret which he knows he needs to bare if they’re to have any chance of an honest and successful relationship. The core of the play is the developing relationship these two, and it was carefully, delicately played by Johnathan Peck and Rory Kelly, both of whom deserve kudos for their honest, emotional performances.

The remaining cast were equally good, with Kate Cole, Ray Chong Nee and Paul Denny all bringing to life distinctive, memorable and well-rounded characters, complete with convincing Humberside accents.

I could really find nothing to fault in this production – everything works beautifully, from the direction and performances to the pacing and set design. Go see it while you can!

Alex Paige

Photographer: Jodie Hutchinson

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