UP ‘N’ UNDER

Director's Notes

John Godber’s Up ‘n’ Under is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy that packs as much heart as it does humour. Set in the gritty world of amateur rugby league in Northern England, the play follows Arthur Hoyle, a washed-up ex-pro who makes a bold, reckless bet: he’ll take the worst team in the league—the hopeless Wheatsheaf Arms—and whip them into shape to beat the undefeated Cobblers Arms, coached by his arrogant rival, Reg Welch.

The Wheatsheaf Arms lads are an absolute disaster—unfit, unskilled, and more interested in pints than points. They’ve never won a game, let alone dreamed of victory. But Arthur is desperate to prove a point, and with nothing to lose, the team reluctantly agrees to train. What follows is a hilarious and inspiring journey of transformation, full of sweat, swearing, and side-splitting banter.

Enter Hazel, a tough, no-nonsense fitness instructor who becomes the team’s unlikely coach when Arthur’s big talk starts to fall apart. Her presence shakes things up—she challenges the men’s attitudes, pushes them past their limits, and earns their respect in the most unexpected ways. Under her guidance, something magical starts to happen: the Wheatsheaf Arms begin to believe in themselves.

Godber’s writing is razor-sharp, blending physical comedy with raw emotion and punchy dialogue. The play barrels forward with high energy and constant laughs, but it’s the characters’ grit, vulnerability, and genuine growth that keep the audience rooting for them.

With a stripped-back set and just seven actors, Up ‘n’ Under relies on electric performances, quick changes, and clever choreography to bring the rugby matches and training scenes to life.

More than just a sports comedy, Up ‘n’ Under is a feel-good celebration of second chances, community spirit, and the power of belief. It’s a story about underdogs who refuse to give up—and in doing so, remind us all that sometimes, the biggest victories come off the pitch.

Lorna Middleton