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REVIEWED: Colin Milburn Play Comes to The Ageas Bowl as Part of UK Tour
REVIEWED: Colin Milburn Play Comes to The Ageas Bowl as Part of UK Tour
Critics have commended James Graham-Brown's When The Eye Has Gone
When The Eye Has Gone, a fascinating stage play exploring the life of former England and Northamptonshire cricketer Colin Milburn, has received promising reviews ahead of its The Ageas Bowl visit on Monday 21st November (7.30pm) as part of a UK tour visiting all 18 first-class county grounds.
Written by award-winning playwright Dougie Blaxland, nom du plume of former Derbyshire and Kent all-rounder James Graham-Brown, the one-man play retells Milburn’s tragic decline through the eyes of 57 characters, all personified by award-winning actor Dan Gaisford.
Commissioned by the Professional Cricketers’ Association as part of its Mind Matters campaign and supported by Arts Council England, When The Eye Has Gone is sure to be a real hit among cricket lovers.
An entertainment that will move you from tears of sadness to tears of joy many times - a work of genius
Bath Chronicle
Jason Ratcliffe, Assistant CEO of the Professional Cricketers' Association, said: "There have been many instances recently of professional sportsmen and women struggling to cope both with the pressures of performing at the highest levels and with adjusting to life when their playing days are over. We believe that this wonderful piece of theatre will help raise awareness of these critical issues."
The extraordinary tale of a colossal cricketing talent is told in 75 minutes: Milburn's emergence into the England team, opening the batting with Geoffrey Boycott, scoring a century against fierce West Indian bowling at Lord’s and being dropped for his immobility in the field, before losing an eye at the age of 27 and then dying of a heart attack at 48.
An amazing performance from Dan Gaisford
Dorset Echo
Graham-Brown said: "The best dramas have that balance of light and shade, tragedy and comedy. I hope people who come along will laugh and cry, and laugh again within a heartbeat, because that’s how Colin Milburn lived his life. There’s something about this man that sets him apart. Everyone has very vivid powerful memories of him."
Set in The North Briton pub in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, during Milburn’s cabaret performance as ‘Jolly Ollie’, the story switches back and forth through a remarkable life of triumphs and setbacks.
If you're intigued by the gripping tale of Milburn's tragic life, don't miss out on what is sure to be a memorable evening at the home of Hampshire Cricket!
