A hit play about wartime women footballers is returning to the Hexha, stage, with a special cameo from Alan Shearer.
Wor Bella, a one-woman show telling the story of the heroic munitionettes and footballers of the First World War, will return to Queen's Hall Arts Centre in Hexham on Wednesday, March 3, with performances at 2pm and 7.30pm.
The play has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2022, earning standing ovations and selling out venues across the North East and in London.
Jane Harker from Wisecrack Productions said: "We are delighted to be bringing Wor Bella back.
"The demand is incredible.
"This will be the third time in only five years it has been produced.
"It is a terrific story about these forgotten, heroic women.
"It may be set in 1918 during WW1 but Wor Bella is a timeless story about women’s struggles, which more than 100 years later is still totally relevant.
"During WW1, hundreds of teams were formed nationally and dozens in the North East.
"This is their incredible story.
"We want each new generation to know about these fantastic, heroic working class women.
"I can’t think of a more appropriate story to tell during International Women’s Month."
Written by Ed Waugh, the play is told through the eyes of Blyth Spartans centre forward Bella Reay, who scored 133 goals in just 30 matches over an 18-month period.
Ms Harker said: "Bella Reay has been described as ‘the Alan Shearer of her day’; a fitting accolade as the former Newcastle and England star makes a to-camera cameo in the play.
"He’s very supportive."
Wor Bella will tour nine venues across the North East and Cumbria in March 2027, including stops in Blyth, Gateshead Glasshouse, Carlisle, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Gosforth, and South Shields.
The show is produced by Wisecrack Productions and was written by Ed Waugh, whose other works include The Cramlington Train Wreckers, Carrying David, and Hadaway Harry.
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