Fantastic Foxes, Curve Leicester Review
The cast of Fantastic Foxes. Photo by Manuel HarlanWritten by Steph and Ellis, Young Reviewers for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
Making its debut at the Curve, Fantastic Foxes (Written by Rob Ward and Directed by Kitty Benford), takes the audience on a journey through the Leicester City Football Club’s history. The show covers its creation in 1884, the club’s ups and downs, and their 5000/1 Premier League win in 2016.
The play follows a secondary school teacher who shows her students the importance of community through the football team. As the play progresses, the students also learn about everyday issues that the club and its fans face like racism and homophobia and how these issues were resolved. These issues are spoken about in a light-hearted manner, with jokes and classic football chants that any Leicester supporter, new or old, would recognise instantly. At first, her students are sceptical about how this football club has any relevance to their lessons, until one by one each student can recall a time when they or a family member have been supported by the community that the football team has created.
Each story portrayed throughout Fantastic Foxes is relatable in one way or another, whether it is about fighting discrimination even when everyone is against you; or telling your mum the girl you met supports another football team. This play has something meaningful for everyone. The storyline of the play allows the audience to understand facts about how the club came to be what it is today and learn something new whilst also being entertaining and easy to follow. This means that even without knowing the history of the Foxes, a football fan will be able to walk out of the theatre with knowledge without feeling too overwhelmed.
The incredible ensemble of the Fantastic Foxes is what makes this production special, made entirely from people within the Leicester community who most certainly have their own stories of their local football team. The production incorporates elements of breathtaking songs alongside a hint of humorous physical theatre which helps to emphasise specific parts of the performance. No aspect of this play is left half-finished or unpolished, leaving more to be desired even when it’s over. As a brand-new production, it is extremely impressive and a definite must-see. Whether you are a die-hard Foxes fan or just enjoy engaging with new theatre, there is something for you in Fantastic Foxes.
At Curve Leicester until 3 Aug.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
