Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse For England at Garrick Theatre Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.
Whether it's the Tartan Army in Boston, children dancing to Waka Waka in the street and pubs bursting full of individuals in football shirts chanting non-stop, it can only mean the World Cup is back once again. Therefore, it is only logical, with this bursting atmosphere of football pride and anticipation, that Why I Stuck a Flare up my Arse for England has one final one-night run in the West End before it flies across the pond to New York.
Alex Hill’s one-man play focuses on a football fanatic who became infamous during Euro 2020 after putting a flare in his bum. Although the incident was inspired by a real-life viral sensation, the story itself is entirely fictionalised. The play opens with Billy, the man responsible for the stunt, being interviewed on Radio Seven by the voices of Ben Shephard and Chris Kamara. Asked why he did it, Billy explains that he thought it would be funny after drinking 24 pints and taking a third of a gram of cocaine.
The rest of this 70-minute play delves into Billy’s past and all of the reasons that build into that crescendo moment. Alex Hill acts as each character on stage and is a truly impressive performer. Whether the father, best friend, girlfriend or the general mishmash of humanity found in the general pub or football stadium. Each character is distinct, and Hill uses an array of mannerisms, body language and differing voices to showcase each character to the full in an utterly charming form. Hill has incredible stage presence, and his artful breaks in the fourth wall to include the audience, whether late comers or acting out his first time going to watch Les Mis, is brilliant and endears him well to the audience. Director Sean Turner has created a compelling piece with Hill. The focus on the innocent love of the game formed by Billy and his best friend Adam to their sinister slide into football hooliganism due to meeting Wine Gum and his mates at the pub is profound and a story which is reflected a thousand times over in pubs and stadiums across England. This play both glorifies and criticises football culture in equal measure, and Billy, although he initially escapes any consequences for his actions, the climax of the play has a devastating impact on Billy for the rest of his life - finally tipping him away from forever falling into the hole of hooliganism. The themes of male friendship, camaraderie and supporting friends and the community's mental health are explored with pathos and nuance.
Joel Clement’s set design thoroughly evokes a shrine effect towards football with England flags festooning the set, a bar and a pair of crates, but also manages to reflect the vibes of classic English Pubs and stadiums effortlessly. Sam Baxter’s sound design, along with James Dean’s lighting and video design, works powerfully to evoke the different experiences of the characters and create a deeply immersive experience.
This is a surprisingly powerful show that explores the very heart of English football culture as well as the intimacies of male friendships. Hill’s powerful performance and raw, heartfelt energy are wonderfully captivating, and this thought-provoking show will linger in your mind for a long time afterwards. It is the perfect show for any football fan to watch and is profoundly full of love for the beautiful game while being aware of its flaws. If you want to see any play about football, make it this one.
Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse For England played its final London performance on 21 June. It will make its Off-Broadway debut at the SoHo Playhouse from 8 July to 18 July 2026.
★★★★
