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Playwright John Godber has taken the cast of his forthcoming anniversary production of Up ‘n’ Under, including Abi Titmuss, on a nostalgic trip back to the rugby club which inspired him to write the play. The cast, which also features former Gladiator James Crossley, local Emmerdale actor Lewis Linford and film and TV actor William Ilkley, enjoyed a visit to Upton Amateur Rugby League Club in the West Yorkshire village as part of their rehearsals.

Abi Titmuss, who will play Hazel, said: “It’s been brilliant to come here and be in the actual place that inspired John to write Up ‘n’ Under. It’s really given me a taste of amateur rugby league and what it’s all about. There is a great atmosphere at the club, it’s a real social hub, but it’s obvious that rugby league is a serious business – it means a lot and rightly so.”

James Crossley said: “John grew up around rugby and this is his local ground, these are the kind of lads that the play is about. We are actors from all walks of life - we need to show the spirit and the banter that goes on between guys like these in a rugby team.”

Former teacher John Godber, who grew up and later taught in Upton, suggested writing a play about rugby league when he was interviewed for the job of Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director – he got the job and kept his word. In 1984, Up ‘n’ Under was staged for the first time at Hull Truck’s Spring Street venue and attracted huge audiences. A year later it won an Olivier Award. In 1998 it was made into a hit film starring Neil Morrissey and Samantha Janus. This 25th anniversary production will be staged from October 8-31 at Hull Truck Theatre’s new £15m home, then from November 2-7 at Wakefield Theatre Royal.

John Godber said: “This is the first place I ever saw rugby played and I felt we needed to come back here and see the game at grassroots level. Had I not been exposed to rugby here then I wouldn’t have written Up ‘n’ Under in Hull and Hull Truck wouldn’t have become an Olivier Award-winning company. You could argue it all started here.”

**PRESS RELEASE** July 17 2009

Abi Titmuss to help kick off Truck’s new season!

Hull Truck Theatre has announced that Abi Titmuss will star in its forthcoming production of the rugby classic Up ‘n’ Under. Abi will work with the theatre’s Creative Director John Godber on the Olivier award-winning comedy, celebrating the 25th anniversary of both the play and John’s work for the company. The autumn / winter season brochure, sponsored by Bluefin Insurance Services, is officially launched today (Monday 20 July) and includes details of the full season, including a new play from acclaimed playwright Richard Bean and a revival of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, directed by Artistic Director Gareth Tudor Price.

Abi, whose theatre credits include her acclaimed stage debut in Arthur Miller’s Two Way Mirror and the hugely successful tour of The Naked Truth, will play Hazel in Up ‘n’ Under. She said: “I’m delighted to be working with Hull Truck Theatre. Any actress would jump at the chance to work with John Godber – and to do so in Hull Truck’s fabulous new home will be a real honour. Up ‘n’ Under is an award-winning play, and a story which many people are also aware of thanks to the hit film. This is a really exciting opportunity for me to extend my theatre work - I can’t wait to get to Hull in September and start rehearsing!”

John said: “We are delighted to bring such a high-profile actress to perform in Up ‘n’ Under, a ground-breaking piece of physical theatre which changed the course of Hull Truck’s history.”

Up ‘n’ Under will also star James Crossley, formerly the Gladiator Hunter, and Lewis Linford of Emmerdale fame. The autumn / winter season will be the second for Hull Truck in its new £15m home. Along with its own work, the theatre will also host 41 visiting artists.

For details of the full season or to book tickets, please visit www.hulltruck.co.uk.


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	Press Releases *PRESS RELEASE* September 16 2009 Actors taken back to John Godber’s rugby roots Playwright John Godber has taken the cast of his forthcoming anniversary production of Up ‘n’ Under, including Abi Titmuss, on a nostalgic trip back to the rugby club which inspired him to write the play. The cast, which also features former Gladiator James Crossley, local Emmerdale actor Lewis Linford and film and TV actor William Ilkley, enjoyed a visit to Upton Amateur Rugby League Club in the West Yorkshire village as part of their rehearsals. Abi Titmuss, who will play Hazel, said: “It’s been brilliant to come here and be in the actual place that inspired John to write Up ‘n’ Under. It’s really given me a taste of amateur rugby league and what it’s all about. There is a great atmosphere at the club, it’s a real social hub, but it’s obvious that rugby league is a serious business – it means a lot and rightly so.” James Crossley said: “John grew up around rugby and this is his local ground, these are the kind of lads that the play is about. We are actors from all walks of life - we need to show the spirit and the banter that goes on between guys like these in a rugby team.” Former teacher John Godber, who grew up and later taught in Upton, suggested writing a play about rugby league when he was interviewed for the job of Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Director – he got the job and kept his word. In 1984, Up ‘n’ Under was staged for the first time at Hull Truck’s Spring Street venue and attracted huge audiences. A year later it won an Olivier Award. In 1998 it was made into a hit film starring Neil Morrissey and Samantha Janus. This 25th anniversary production will be staged from October 8-31 at Hull Truck Theatre’s new £15m home, then from November 2-7 at Wakefield Theatre Royal. John Godber said: “This is the first place I ever saw rugby played and I felt we needed to come back here and see the game at grassroots level. Had I not been exposed to rugby here then I wouldn’t have written Up ‘n’ Under in Hull and Hull Truck wouldn’t have become an Olivier Award-winning company. You could argue it all started here.” PRESS RELEASE July 17 2009 Abi Titmuss to help kick off Truck’s new season! Hull Truck Theatre has announced that Abi Titmuss will star in its forthcoming production of the rugby classic Up ‘n’ Under. Abi will work with the theatre’s Creative Director John Godber on the Olivier award-winning comedy, celebrating the 25th anniversary of both the play and John’s work for the company. The autumn / winter season brochure, sponsored by Bluefin Insurance Services, is officially launched today (Monday 20 July) and includes details of the full season, including a new play from acclaimed playwright Richard Bean and a revival of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, directed by Artistic Director Gareth Tudor Price. Abi, whose theatre credits include her acclaimed stage debut in Arthur Miller’s Two Way Mirror and the hugely successful tour of The Naked Truth, will play Hazel in Up ‘n’ Under. She said: “I’m delighted to be working with Hull Truck Theatre. Any actress would jump at the chance to work with John Godber – and to do so in Hull Truck’s fabulous new home will be a real honour. Up ‘n’ Under is an award-winning play, and a story which many people are also aware of thanks to the hit film. This is a really exciting opportunity for me to extend my theatre work - I can’t wait to get to Hull in September and start rehearsing!” John said: “We are delighted to bring such a high-profile actress to perform in Up ‘n’ Under, a ground-breaking piece of physical theatre which changed the course of Hull Truck’s history.” Up ‘n’ Under will also star James Crossley, formerly the Gladiator Hunter, and Lewis Linford of Emmerdale fame. The autumn / winter season will be the second for Hull Truck in its new £15m home. Along with its own work, the theatre will also host 41 visiting artists. For details of the full season or to book tickets, please visit www.hulltruck.co.uk. Media enquiries to Alice Mooney on 01482 325012 or email alice@hulltruck.co.uk
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