In the spring of 1978, the New Wolsey Theatre was laying down its foundations while over the road Ipswich Town Football Club was celebrating a historic FA Cup win over Arsenal. Now, 40 years on, the two great social pillars of the community are coming together to mark the anniversary of the football club’s great win.
In the spring of 1978, the New Wolsey Theatre was laying down its foundations while over the road Ipswich Town Football Club was celebrating a historic FA Cup win over Arsenal. Now, 40 years on, the two great social pillars of the community are coming together to mark the anniversary of the football club’s great win.
Former Ipswich Town captain Mick Mills and midfield maestro John Wark were at the theatre yesterday to remind supporters that the theatre and football club is offering a range of exclusive gifts and experiences for anyone donating to the theatre’s fund-raising campaign which will help fund Our Blue Heaven, a new musical, written by the New Wolsey’s artistic director Peter Rowe, which will tell the story of Ipswich Town’s journey to Wembley.
But, fans have only one week left to contribute to the fund and help make this show a reality.
The show will premiere on the 40th anniversary of the 1978 FA Cup Final and has been created from the memories of Ipswich Town fans. Elizabeth Edwards, ITFC supporter liaison officer, said that they had been delighted with the response from fans. “We have been inundated with brilliant stories, photos and memories from fans telling of their adventures following the club on their FA Cup journey. It’s given Pete plenty of exciting material to work with.”
Mick Mills and John Wark said that even after the passing of 40 years the memories remain special. “It was a great day for the club, for the fans and for the town,” said Mick Mills. “Which is why it will be great to see it commemorated on stage.”
John Wark added: “Bobby Robson created something special. I went away to Liverpool and then came back again, so I could see what a remarkable manager he was.”
The theatre has created 12 levels of pledge packages available via crowdfunding site Indiegogo. Individuals can “feel good for a fiver” with a £5 donation for the Cooper package, or donate right up to the £10,000. Every package combines unique gifts, some including premium tickets to the show, backstage visits to the theatre and Portman Road, limited edition prints and specially selected, signed memorabilia from the 1978 team, donated by Ipswich Town Football Club.
To pledge to back the project and make the production a reality visit www.ourblueheaven.co.uk
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