Timely return for the tale of the Wembley underdogs

Buy photos » We Love You City writer Nick Walker shows off his skills outside the Belgrade. Picture by Jon Mullis 18.012.020.cov.jm1 (www.buyphotos247.com)

THE events that led to one of the greatest FA Cup giant killings of all time makes a comeback to the stage next week as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations.

City-based writer Nick Walker is bringing the true underdog story to life once again thanks to the help of Coventry-based company Talking Birds.

We Love You City is a play based on the greatest day in the club's history and sees 11 actors recreate the events that took place on May 16, 1987 both inside Wembley Stadium and on the streets of Coventry.

It was first performed in 2008 but has been brought back by popular demand.

"The response first time around to We Love You City was overwhelming," Nick added.

"The play has brought a whole new football audience to the theatre because it allows them the relive the club's history.

"The club has recently dropped back down to the third tier, but they have been there before when Jimmy Hill guided them to the top and who knows something similar could happen again.

"There has always been this great sense of belief and hope amongst Sky Blues supporters I wanted to capture that.

"I'm hoping the sense of optimism in the city, both during Olympic year, and with the anniversary of the match itself, will mean the experience in May will be even more emotional.

"There has always been a relationship between drama and football and we are hoping it will prove popular again."

As for his own memories of the match, Nick told us how he watched on television and as a neutral fan, he did not live in Coventry

at the time, was hoping Coventry would beat favourites Tottenham Hotspur.

"Everybody loves an underdog winning and I have to say that it is still the best FA Cup final I have seen," he added.

"What happened that day made me want to move to Coventry, which I did in 1989 as a student living right by Highfield Road."

We Love You City returns to the Belgrade's B2 auditorium on Tuesday and runs until May 26.

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