Review: WHY I STUCK A FLARE UP MY ARSE FOR ENGLAND, Southwark Playhouse Borough
Photo credit: Rah Petherbridge
Almost direct from 2023’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival comes the writing debut of Alex Hill. Making its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse, Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England is a hilarious and heartfelt expansion of the infamous image from the riots that took place after England lost the 2020 Euro final to Italy. While the image is the main source for the title of the show, the play reveals itself to be about so much more than that – an exploration of the need to fit in, to belong, to become a part of something much bigger than yourself and of the consequence of this need becoming all-consuming enough to abandon the things that really matter.
As well as writing the piece, Hill also stars as Billy, the owner of the titular “arse”, and right from his explosive entrance on stage brings a level of energy and intensity reminiscent of the match-day stadiums in which most of the play is set. His performance is absolutely magnetic, you can’t help but be in awe of his nature on stage – totally at ease, and totally in control. His jokes always landing exactly where he wants them to. When it comes to any characters other than Billy, Alex creates such vivid imagery not just with his words but his physicality. The audience have little work to do to suspend our disbelief as he meets us where we’re at every time and one man on stage becomes many more characters within the story.
It is clear, as well, that he has an acute knowledge of his audience, opening the piece with a joke in which he references Billy Elliot, and including a whole scene devoted to Les Misérables, yes, you read that correctly! The line between football and theatrical humour is walked with such professionalism, you’d think you were watching the script of a seasoned comedy pro. Not only that but it’s not just comedy, there’s a deeper emotional layer to the whole piece that is hinted at throughout but pays off in a truly affecting way at the end. Hill masterfully disguises the breadcrumbs that lead to this within wider comedic moments so that when the last few scenes come around, it’s a case of all the pieces fitting together in an emotional sucker-punch of a jigsaw.
What we love most about this is its message and the way in which it is delivered; audiences will see the unassuming title of the piece and expect an hour’s light entertainment, and what they are in fact delivered is the ever-important message; talk to each other, ask your friends how they are doing, and never be afraid to reach out. The impact of those final scenes is sure to stay with you long after you leave the theatre. Alex Hill is clearly someone to keep an eye on, with the ability to create work such as this, at this early stage of his career, is astounding. We can’t wait to see what he does next.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Matthew Foster
Why I Stuck a Flare Up My Arse for England plays at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 4 May, with further info here.