I first read the book “The Damned United” back in 2006 when it was first published and I quickly realised that David Peace had created something quite special. It chronicles the legendary 44 days that Brian Clough spent at Leeds United, taking the reader into the mind of the brilliant football manager and bringing the whole journey to life.
It was no surprise when the book was turned into a film some years later starring Michael Sheen, nor was it a surprise when Red Ladder created a 65 minute play based on the same book. The film was something of a disappointment for me, having read the book. I didn’t think it quite did justice to the flawed genius that was Brian Clough – who along with Shankly and Ferguson is widely regarded as the greatest ever British managers. Something this play addresses without question.
Luke Dickson’s portrayal of Clough was without doubt the most intelligently portrayed version of a real life character that I have seen in recent years; he captures all of the brilliance of the man but does an equally stunning job in capturing his flaws. There is a special moment in the play where Clough is a broken man and weeps uncontrollably as he realises he has lost control of the situation.
The story itself is centred around Brian Clough and his decision to leave a relatively successful position at Derby County to accept the job of replacing the legend that was Don Revie at Leeds United. A big part of the reason Clough failed at Leeds was down to the lack of respect shown to him by his predecessor, who was now the England Manager, Don Revie and also the players he inherited who made his life a misery.
Clough’s assistant Peter Taylor (David Chafer) was also brilliant as the supporting role, very believable as the man who is credited as being the sensible side of Brian Clough through all of his years of success. His relationship with ‘Cloughie’ can probably be best described as a marriage – opposite ends of the personality spectrum that just worked when they were brought together. The heart attack that Taylor suffered during this time at Leeds United was probably the final nail in the coffin that was Clough’s tenure.
I was prepared to be somewhat disappointed with “The Damned United” play given my love of the book but this was far from the outcome, I have nothing but praise for Red Ladder for bringing this to theatres around the country. The whole cast are exceptional but Luke Dickson deserves special mention for how he captured the whole personality of Brian Clough, and not just an impersonation which often happens in this kind of production.
Reviewer – John Fish
on – 25/10/18
No comments:
Post a Comment