The greatest night in Merthyr football history celebrated in stage comedy

David Owens

The night Merthyr FC pulled off one of the greatest shocks in European football is to be celebrated in new comedy Just One Cornetto.

Described as a ‘feelgood, aspirational, emotional, gritty, laugh out loud comedy play’, it sets the scene in the weeks building up to, and the night Merthyr Football Club beat Italian giants Atalanta 2-1 in the 1987 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Written by Anthony Bunko and directed by Neil Maidman the production will receive its premiere on Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th September at the Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare.

The logline for the play reads: ‘In 1987, a small Welsh town, that had suffered years of neglect and conflict, shocked the footballing world by beating Italian Giants Atalanta in the cup winner’s cup. This is a comedy story about a moment in time, an intergenerational drama about love, struggle, chaos and steam pies.’

The comedy is told through the eyes of several different groups. Dekka and his mates and family, a group of Italian football supporters, the committee of the Welsh club and the only Merthyr born player in the team, Kevin Rogers.

Writer Bunko says: “We see a proud but struggling town rediscover its soul and its purpose. It’s a story of community, hope, and how football can unite even the most divided streets.

He adds: “Merthyr Tydfil in the late ‘80s was a town bruised by mine closures and Thatcher’s Britain, yet burning with defiance. The tone blends heartfelt drama and sharp humour. Life is hard, but laughter and loyalty keep people going. Visually, the show carries the warmth and grit of ‘Pride’ and ‘The Full Monty’.”

Many claim they were at the famous game at Merthyr’s ground Penydarren Park, however Bunko is honest enough to admit he missed the game.

“Sadly I wasn’t at the game At the time I was playing rugby for Dowlais and probably wasn’t that interested. But after speaking to Jonny Owen and local legend Kevin Rogers About a year ago, I decided that it was a story which had to be told . In all honesty it is still probably the greatest upset in a European game ever.

‘I talked to various people who were there, which if everyone was to be believed, there must have been 50 thousand packed into the ground that night. But the play more or less wrote itself. From the players to the committee to the fans, home and away, and also there’s a bit of a love story in there to spice it up a little.”

On the opening night all the ex-players who played are going to be there plus special guests Owen Money, Jonny Owen and Jason Mohammed.

“It’s going to be a great two nights and hopefully we can tour it throughout Wales next year on the 40th anniversary of the club.

He continues: “We couldn’t get any funding off the Welsh arts council but thankfully a few businesses and local individuals have helped us reach a certain figure where we can put it on. So anyone who was there that night, come and relive that wonderful occasion.

“Even if you weren’t lucky enough to be there still come and enjoy this journey back in time and sample the ’80s nostalgia, massive laughs, tactical cob-and-chips breakdowns, and more ice cream drama than a hot day at the beach!”

Tickets are available to buy HERE

MEET THE GROUPS

Dekka’s mates and family.

Paul Dekka Jenkins and his two football mad mates all work on the production line in Hoover. Dekka can’t wait for the game, it’s a dream come true, to not only watch his town’s football team play in Europe for the first time ever, but also to take the ashes of his grandad, who brought him up watching the team, to the game. Dekka who works shifts finds that there are many obstacles put in his way including his manager Brian the Bastard Foreman who won’t give him the night off and threaten him with the sack if he goes.

Dekka’s older sister Alison, who works with her friend at the Italian café, are only interested in the hundreds of Italian supporters coming to town. Love is on the cards.

We see how the football club committee, led by John Reddy, a local Del-Boy character struggle to cope with putting on the biggest game in the club’s history, with the eyes of the world on them. They are amateurs, now thrust into the professional world of sport. Are they ready for it?

We also follow a group of Italian supporters, who are very apprehensive about coming to Wales, not only because they don’t know where Merthyr is, but are also scared of the threat of football hooligans, as evidenced by the English team having been banned for hooliganism. But the Italians have a great time, and are treated to the best Merthyr hospitality. One of the supporters meets up with a local girl, Alison, for a night of passion.

Merthyr town itself really embrace the match and hold a ‘Fiesta Italiana’ festival. There are spaghetti-eating contests, ice cream-eating competitions, window dressing events and fashion shows, swapping Strikers Club for the best looks from Milan’s Via Della Spiga. Everyone is trying to learn Italian. The Italian café in the town goes decorates with flags and plays Italian pop music, much to the annoyance of the old army guy who fought in the war.

Also, local football hero Kevin Rogers finds himself in the spotlight, and he’s not sure if he can cope with the pressure… but on the night he shows the world how good he is.

The play takes us on a rollercoaster ride of highs, lows, laughs, tears and the biggest cheer ever at the final whistle. It highlights the different cultures between both countries, but in the end, as they say, Welsh people are just Italians living in the Rain. it shows that Merthyr Town is not just a great football team, and created history on one glorious night, but a town full of passion and friendship and the odd laugh or two.

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