A York actor is starring in a football-themed show at a top theatre – and showing his support for York City in rehearsals.
Richard Kay is starring in Fidget Theatre’s Football Freddie at Leeds Playhouse.
Footie fan Richard plays a character based on real-life footballer Freddie Farren, who played for Bradford City in the early 1900s.
He has been demonstrating his love for the beautiful game and his team by wearing his York City shirt to rehearsal.
Richard has multiple theatre credits, including various pantomimes at York Theatre Royal. He is also associate artist for York theatre company Badapple Theatre.
Football Freddie is the story of a little girl with a big heart, who loves the beautiful game. Following in the footsteps of her professional footballer Great-Great-Great Uncle, she also enjoys a good old fashioned kickabout.
Her Uncle Fred takes her on an unforgettable adventure back in time to relive his glory days, inviting the audience to join in the fun too with chants, cheering and even a few keepie-uppies.
This new show for children features playful storytelling, audience participation and integrated audio description alongside original sound design and vibrant set and costumes.
Q&A with Richard Kay
Tell us a little bit about your character.
As well as playing Freddie’s Great-Great-Great Uncle Fred, I also play Commentator Jeff, inspired by the great John Motson, who is a figment of young Freddie’s imagination and narrates much of her actions and inner thoughts. As a TV pundit I’ll be seeking the views and skills of the audience and providing the introduction and post-match analysis; like a less glamorous (and far less knowledgeable) Alex Scott.
Are you a footie fan yourself?
I am a York City fan – if you can call it football. I don’t attend as many matches these days, but I was a ‘Junior Red’ as a child, attending most home matches and occasionally acting as ballboy. I still hang on to the glory days of York beating Manchester United 3-1 at Old Trafford in the Coca-Cola Cup in 1995/6. These days, I rely on my nephew to keep me up to speed with developments. I love watching the internationals and occasionally dip into Match of the Day but my stats knowledge is decidedly better pre-21st century.
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Do you have any footballing connections?
I recall my grandad, Bob Turner, proudly telling me he played for Burnley, but I haven’t actually verified this fact! I think he was in the second or third team, possibly getting the odd first team appearance, but that was enough to impress me. I fondly recall a couple of visits to Wembley with him to see our respective teams play in play-off finals.
What can audiences look forward to when they come along?
Lots of energy and fun. It’s really important to us that the audience feel involved and so there will be interactive elements all through the show. I hope people will leave with an interest in football, but more importantly a desire to get stuck into whatever passion they have and to not let their own doubts and insecurities get in the way. There’s plenty of time to pass up on fun opportunities when you’re an adult. Childhood is about embracing everything you enjoy, regardless of whether you are good at it or not. That’s why I never want to grow up.
Football Freddie is at Leeds Playhouse from 31 May to 3 June, before heading out on tour. To book your tickets and to find out more information, visit the Leeds Playhouse website.
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