Andrew Lloyd Webber & Ben Elton's Award Winning Musical THE BEAUTIFUL GAME To Premiere In Melbourne

Manilla Street Productions is thrilled to announce the Australian premiere of THE BEAUTIFUL GAME in Melbourne in September 2019.

Set in Northern Ireland in the troubled 1970s, THE BEAUTIFUL GAME tells the story of ordinary people in an extraordinary situation. The story is centered on a local football (soccer) team, who attempt to overcome the emerging political and religious violence that has engulfed their community.

Ben Elton's book is told with humour and compassion, while his lyrics are both funny and heartbreaking. Andrew Lloyd Webber's evocative score combines heart-searing ballads and stirring anthems with the sounds of Ireland.

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME originally opened at the Cambridge Theatre in London in September 2000. Although created almost 20 years ago, "this piece isn't really about the Irish problem but about the futility of these conflicts the world over and how they keep repeating themselves," says Andrew Lloyd Webber. Although this is an Irish story, the themes and sentiments of THE BEAUTIFUL GAME are universal. All over the world communities are challenged by violence and hatred.

According to producer Karen Jemison, "what drew me to this show is the powerful story. What these characters go through as teenagers is both shocking and heart breaking and because the show plays out against the real struggles of Northern Ireland at that time, it makes the story even more poignant."

"I enjoy producing musicals that audiences haven't seen before and THE BEAUTIFUL GAME is a real treat. If you combine a powerful story with a beautiful Andrew Lloyd Webber score, you've got a fabulous show!"

This production builds on the Manilla Street Productions reputation for presenting Australia's leading theatrical talent in new or rarely performed works. Previous stagings include Blood Brothers, Pacific Overturesand Nine in Concert.

The Australian premiere season of THE BEAUTIFUL GAME runs for a strictly limited season from 14-29 September 2019 at Chapel off Chapel.

Website: thebeautifulgameaustralia.com.au