tickets still available.
Tickets are still available to see ‘The Last Match’, which is based on events at Hove County Cricket Ground on 1st September 1939 when Sussex and Yorkshire continued their game despite the German invasion of Poland. Two days later, Britain responded and World War Two erupted.
The production re-creates the dramatic match, evoking the emotions of a generation clinging on to the last moments of peace in the full knowledge that the crisis of war was on their doorstep. The hero of the game was the Yorkshire and England bowler, Hedley Verity (pictured)whose bowling exploits gave Yorkshire an unlikely victory as the clouds of war gathered.
Jim Parks Junior, whose father, also called Jim Parks, played in the game alongside his uncle is thrilled that the story has been made into a stage play.
Mr Parks Junior, a former Sussex and England cricketer himself, said: “The match has a very special place in the memory of my family because both my father and uncle played in it. The reason the game continued on the day Germany invaded Poland was that the match was a benefit game for my father and the players of both sides wanted to finish it for him.”
“I am looking forward to this story being brought to life, recalling one of the most famous days in the history of Sussex cricket. The story is certainly something special. My Dad would have been delighted.”
The play – which has also been praised by umpiring legend, Dickie Bird – can be seen at some of the country’s iconic cricket grounds as it tours the country.
Dickie Bird said: “The Last Match tells the sad story of the Yorkshire and England cricket hero, Hedley Verity, who was lost because of the war. The play is really very poignant and well worth seeing.”
The Last Match has been written by author and programme maker Colin Philpott and film director and digital artist, Kit Monkman.
Al Barclay – who starred in Stephen Fry’s Bright Young Things will play Hedley Verity and Dan Abelson - whose credits include roles in the BBC’s Eastenders and Doctors, will also star.
The Last Match goes on tour from August 20th in Sussex and Yorkshire. The Hove performance takes place during this year’s County Championship game between Sussex and Yorkshire in late August. Another performance coincides with the return match at Headingley in late September.
Tickets and more information are available from http://www.thelastmatch.com/Home.html
Full list of performances
20-Aug Thursday 1600 & 1900 Newhaven Fort, Newhaven
22-Aug Saturday 1315 & 1815 Sussex County Cricket Ground, Hove
01-Sep Tuesday 1230 & 1800 Yorkshire County Cricket Ground, Headingley
02-Sep Wednesday 1630& 1830 Elland Cricket Club
23-Sep Wednesday 1615 & 1830 Bradford Grammar School
24-Sep Thursday 1230 & 1800 Yorkshire County Cricket Ground, Headingley