Best Play is a category that always intrigues as a wide range of subjects, characters and settings are regularly brought to life throughout the region's venues by a host of creatives.
Previous winners have included teenage playwright (cited by many as the next Shelagh Delaney) Libby Hall and the governor of Gothic Horror, Joe O'Byrne. This year, the shows have transported us to the psychedelic sixties via Salford's wastelands, the trenches of WW1; Victorian graveyards and the boozy-woozy streets of Greater Manchester.
Our winning play took place in the Midlands in the 1970s. Getting The Third Degree told the story of the uniquely talented Laurie Cunningham, who came to prominence in the seventies at West Bromwich Albion. Alongside Albion teammates Brendan Batson and Cyrille Regis, Laurie was one of only few black players regularly playing in England's top flight. The press gave them the nickname 'The Three Degrees' after the soulful vocal group of the time. The attention and celebrity that they were afforded also brought bitterness, vitriol and hatred from the terraces.
Getting the Third Degree was commissioned to mark 25 years of great work by anti-racism organisation, Kick It Out. Unfortunately, it couldn't have been more topical. This year has seen the re-emergence of racial abuse at major football matches.
Writer Dougie Blaxland discusses the caustic issue, "Sadly, it's still relevant. I'm sure Kick It Out would rather not need to continue." England international fixtures and the Manchester derby are amongst high profile fixtures that have been marred by far-right morons. These events brought to the fore a major societal issue and highlighted how important the trailblazing players of Laurie's era were. Their defiance and class in the face of such ignorance has rightfully seen them acquire iconic status.
While Dougie revisited the toxicity of the time, he also skilfully managed to celebrate Laurie's undeniable brilliance..."I promised his mother that we'd try to bring him back for 85 minutes each night... and asked if that was alright."
Thankfully, Dougie achieved his goal and recreated the essence and panache of the man. Laurie was an unusual character in the changing rooms of the seventies. While it was common for footballers of the time to spend their spare time bonding on drink-fuelled nights out, Laurie preferred painting, philosophy and poetry. Laurie's nights out often included entering dance competitions; he had been known to use prize money to pay his late fees. His gift for dancing added to his unique dexterity on the pitch.
Laurie's talent led to a world record transfer to Real Madrid. He became the first ever millionaire, black footballer; the first player of colour to sign for Madrid and only the second to win a full cap for England. He inspired a whole generation of young black players to follow in his pioneering footsteps. Laurie's legacy is apparent in today's game; his dignity and defiance in the face of extreme threats and abuse have benefitted football immensely.
I spoke to Dougie about some of the highlights of Getting the Third Degree, "Well, winning this [award]...What matters most is the response of the people." Dougie also informed that emotional reactions to the play were quite common. The issue of racist abuse from the terraces even made one embarrassed audience member reflect on his own shameful involvement... "There was a guy in Cardiff that approached the director and said, 'I was one of those'."
It was clear that Laurie was a significant figure to many. Q and A sessions followed some of the shows: Laurie's former partner Nicky Brown answered questions in Birmingham and Brendon Batson's niece took to the stage Norwich. These exchanges were poignant, occasionally tearful and highlighted the enduring affection for iconic players. Fans of West Bromwich were also eager to share their experiences of encounters with Laurie. The fans' stories added and reinforced the warmth and likeability of Laurie Cunningham.
Getting The Third Degree beautifully celebrated the life of Laurie Cunningham. The play gave new life to a world class footballer, a trailblazing figure (on and off the pitch) and a seminal figure rightfully accepted as a major cultural influence.
Getting The Third Degree proved to be a popular winner with our readers and is a worthy recipient of our Best Play Award. Dougie was eager to praise Salford Arts Theatre, "they were so welcoming, a fantastic venue."
Salford Star Best Play Award
Getting the Third Degree
Congrats to Dougie Blaxland and the team behind a sensational piece of theatre
Words by Ian Lesley
Main photo by Danny Waldron shows Dougie receiving the award in Bath from local journalist Melissa Blease
Salford Star Award Winners
Salford Star - James 'Shinny' Davenport - click here
Best Performer – Tony Kinsella – click here
Best Act - Andy Brides - click here
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