Play about legendary commentator Eddie Waring comes to Batley

SHOW TIME Paul Harrison with actors William Fox, Dicken Ashworth and David Kendra at Batley Bulldogs stadium.

And now a play written about the legendary rugby league commentator Eddie Waring has visited Batley.

Known as “Uncle Eddie” to a generation of fans, the Dewsbury-born commentator divided opinion.

To some viewers he was the warm voice of the north, but to others his voice simply conformed and promoted stereotypes.

Playing The Joker, presented by theatre company Red Ladder, was performed to fans and staff at the Batley Bulldog’s Stadium on Tuesday.

Batley Bulldogs general manager Paul Harrison said: “They performed in The Robert Earnshaw Lounge to around 35 of us for the breakfast club.

“It was really good and a great insight into Eddie’s life. I would urge everyone to go and see it.”

The play was premiered as part of the A Play, A Pie and A Pint season last year at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds.

Written by award-winning author and Sunday Mirror sports journalist Anthony Clavane, the play is touring the country visiting a host of rugby league clubs.

Set in December 1977, it sees Waring withdrawing to the Queens Hotel in Leeds as a petition grows to have him thrown off the BBC.

An idealistic rugby league fan, Eddie Marlowe is waiting, with increasing exasperation, for the chance to meet his idol.

Through song, jokes and drama, Eddie Marlowe voices the betrayal and doubt many fans felt towards Waring’s comedy Yorkshireman persona.

Visit www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/playing-joker.