Up 'n' Under
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (June 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
The stage play, Up 'n' Under by John Godber was first seen at the Hull Truck Theatre in 1984. A sequel play Up 'n' Under II was first performed in 1985.
It was made into a film in 1998. It has been compared to The Full Monty and Brassed Off as it is a comedy set in the north of England that revolves around a bunch of losers.
Up and under is a tactical kick in rugby league in which the ball is kicked high and short onto or behind the defending team. This type of kick is usually made close to the opposition's tryline as an attacking play. It is a phrase made popular by the late TV commentator Eddie Waring who strongly resembles the character played by Griff Rhys Jones.
Contents |
[edit] Cast
The film stars Samantha Janus (Hazel Scott), Gary Olsen (Arthur Hoyle), Neil Morrissey (Steve), Brian Glover, Griff Rhys Jones (Radio York commentator), Tony Slattery (Reg Welch), David MacCreedy (Tony) and Adrian Hood (Tommy). Former rugby union international Ray Gravell was "rugby consultant" and appeared as "Referee No 1".
John Godber scripted and made his directorial debut with this adaptation of his play. The film was shot in Cardiff, Wales.
The play was recently revived on stage with England rugby union star Gareth Chilcott in the Gary Olsen role.
[edit] Plot
It followed the story of an inept pub team from the 'Wheatsheaf Arms' in a rugby league sevens competition in Kingston upon Hull in England. Ex-pro Arthur's only passions in life are his wife and rugby league. When he hears about the 'Cobblers Arms' pub team and their corrupt manager, Arthur bets his life savings with Reg Welch that he can train any team to beat them.
However, the 'Wheatsheaf Arms' can only muster a side of four whose pride lies in their unbroken record of defeat. The pitifully unfit set of men have to accept the help of a coach, who just happens to be a woman.
They have to struggle through adversity, come up triumphant and become a team. They are given a bye to the final of the competition where they have to play The Cobblers.
[edit] Up 'n' Under II
The sequel to the original play is centred around the return match between the amateur rugby league team from the 'Wheatsheaf Arms' and the 'Cobblers Arms'.
