Premiere of Euro Final-inspired Play: Story of Flare-Wielding Thug
A remarkable one-man play is set to hit the London stage, bringing to life the infamous incident of a football hooligan who stuck a lit flare up his backside during the England vs Italy final at Wembley in 2021. Titled “Why I Stuck A Flare Up My A*** For England,” the play revolves around fan Charlie Perry and his reckless actions that shocked the nation.
Written and performed by Alex Hill, the play made its debut at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, receiving critical acclaim for its daring storytelling. Now, it is set to captivate audiences at London’s Southwark Playhouse from April 17 to May 4, just ahead of Euro 2024’s kickoff in Germany on June 14.
The play reimagines Perry as Billy, a young man encouraged by his friends to engage in increasingly dangerous stunts leading up to the momentous football final. Hill, who portrays Billy, drew inspiration from a photo of Perry with a lit flare up his backside that he had pinned to his wall for months. He became fascinated with the incident and delved into exploring its theatrical potential.
Describing the incident as both epic and ludicrous, Hill notes that it became a form of theater in itself, highlighting the performative nature of football fandom. Many men see football matches as an opportunity to assume different personas and act in ways they wouldn’t in their everyday lives. However, Hill emphasizes that such behavior has consequences, which forms the basis of the play’s narrative.
In his research, Hill read numerous interviews with Perry, discovering that many people sympathized with him and believed he deserved some leniency. Hill found this sentiment intriguing and wanted to explore it further. He believes that theater has the power to bring such stories to life and spark discussions about the consequences of reckless actions.
The play promises to incorporate the magic of theater to bring the infamous flare stunt to the stage. Hill deliberately keeps the details under wraps, urging audiences to experience it for themselves. He invites them to witness the creative ways in which the stunt is executed, leaving them in awe and wonder.
Perry himself admitted that his actions were irresponsible, having consumed alcohol and cocaine before the incident. However, the play delves beyond the surface-level recklessness to explore the complexities of human behavior and the consequences that follow.
“Why I Stuck A Flare Up My A*** For England” is poised to be a thought-provoking and boundary-pushing theatrical experience. It serves as a reminder that even in the realm of football fandom, actions have repercussions. Through the lens of theater, Hill offers a unique perspective on this bizarre and shocking incident, prompting audiences to reflect on the choices they make and their impact on society.
As football fans eagerly anticipate Euro 2024, this play provides an opportunity to engage with the darker side of fan culture and question the line between passion and recklessness. Don’t miss out on this thrilling production that promises to challenge conventions and ignite conversations.