A New Play About Welsh Rugby Player John Bevan Touches Down at Sewell Group Craven Park Legends Lounge
John Bevan: Team Player - from Lions to League will be performed for two nights in the Legends Lounge at Sewell Group Craven Park on Monday 12th October.
The play covers three pivotal years in the life of Welsh rugby legend John Bevan. Starting with the British Lions triumph over the All Blacks in the1971 test series, it continues with the success of the Barbarians in 1973 and ends with Bevan’s first season playing rugby league for Warrington having switched codes. And in the 1970s that meant that there was no way back.
It’s worth reflecting on the jeopardy a union player put his career in by switching to League in the past. Clive Sullivan was one such player, finding increased opportunity and success at both Hull FC and Hull KR.
But the risks were great. ‘Going North’ could lead to opportunity and glory, or an end to a life in rugby. Even your country of birth could ostracise you.
Writer Mari Lloyd says, “I’m fascinated by sport and how that relates to history, heritage, national and regional identity.”
‘To us, it’s not just a game. It’s who we are’
The play asks questions about the outer trappings of success and looks at the more important inner feelings of self-worth and connection to a team, a place and a community.
The new play has toured this summer in South Wales and at the Halliwell Jones Stadium as part of Warrington Wolves 150th anniversary celebrations. A further extension of the tour has been made possible by the support of Simon Moran of S.J.M. Concerts, and owner of Warrington Wolves.
“Having watched the play in Warrington, I was delighted to help get it more widely seen. The story of John is told brilliantly; I’ve been a fan of John since the first game I watched Warrington at Wembley in 1975“ said Simon Moran
“This is a magnificent piece of theatre… Actor Scott Gutteridge delivers an absolutely stellar, powerhouse performance… Directed seamlessly by Julia Stubbs, the production balances raw athletic intensity with deeply personal, vulnerable reflections.” Review by Warrington Worldwide
John Bevan: Team Player – from Lions to League is performed as a monologue by Welsh actor Scott Gutteridge most recently seen in Theatre Cymru’s production of Romeo a Juliet.
This new production builds on the successful first collaboration of playwright Mari Lloyd and director/producer Julia Stubbs on Mari’s debut play, Still Here.
Get your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.com/still-here-productions
RUNNING TIME: 95 minutes plus interval
POST-SHOW Q&A with team
CONTENT INFORMATION: Brief strong language, references to isolation and loneliness - Suitable for 12+ |
COMPANY WEBSITE: www.stillhereproductions.co.uk For more info, please contact: Grey Swan PR, 07931 791807 pr@greyswan.co.uk | www.greyswan.co.uk
“This Welsh indie production captured real Welsh life with authenticity and care. It never felt condescending or forced - just honest, local and deeply researched. Its universal acclaim is well deserved.” The Edit ‘The Top 20 Shows We Saw Across Wales’ in 2025
★★★★ “Excellent” Everything Theatre
★★★★ “a brilliant cast”Buzz Magazine
★★★★ “a real treat” Fairy Powered Productions
