'Marching on Together' Old Red Lion Theatre ****

What happens when a representation of football hooliganism supposed to achieve on a theatre space, and whether it's necessary in today's culture? The Old Red Lion Theatre's current production of Adam Hughes' crowdfunded play, ‘Marching on Together’ makes it observable that  it is not clever whatsoever, as well as, the performances were alluring during the proceedings.

‘Marching on Together’ is set within the 1984-1985 football season where rough and thuggish Leeds United supporter, Macca has been released from prison for three years, due to being caught in a vehement broil three seasons previously. Whilst having a reunion with his friend, Jonno (Jim Mannering) at the pub, he's tackled with the point that his position as head ruffian has been surpassed by the youngsters of society i.e. tracksuit wearer accountant, Nathan (Alex Southern), and his accomplice Tommy. Macca appears to be startled and irrated by Nathan’s self-assurance, and his plans to unleash hell on the opposing team supporters. However, Macca apprehends that he must make amends with his ex-partner, Linda (Donna Preston), and their son, but Linda states the Macca is not allowed to see their son, and to rekindle their relationship, as she believes that he will not adapt in the most positive of circumstances. As such, Macca reverts back to his former hoodlum ways, and asks Nathan and Tommy if he can become a member of their mob. Conversely, throughout the play, Macca forms a closer bond with Tommy, as he mentors him that he should toughen up against Nathan's frequent bullying tactics, and to ensure that he must remain positive, even know he's a striking miner. After each match, we come to realise that Macca is in fact not thinking of supporting Leeds United, but to vent his anger towards his demoralised life; this is shown when Tommy asks him what the score is, and Macca actually does not know. During one fight, it becomes apparent that Tommy has been killed by the opposing team supporters, and this causes Macca to address some of his issues, but not in the most positive of methods. Hughes’ narrative is quite interesting as it enables one to think that pugnaciously fighting in such a malicious manner will not solve any issues of any kind, on the other hand, there could've been more depth in places.

One found the performances by the company of ‘Marching on Together’ were really well-characterised throughout the show; explicitly within the emotional moments. Adam Patrick Boakes’ is wondrous as the lead protagonist, Macca; specifically when he endeavours to visit is son, but not managing to do so due to his ex-partner’s repeatedly opposing views. Joshua Garwood is lovely as the quiet, Tommy; exclusively when he emotionally breaks down as he feels that what he, Macca and Nathan are doing to people; for example a 15-year-old boy is heinous, and conveys that he wants to regain his poise as a positive member of society.

Joshua McTaggart's direction is the ideal here as he has made an astute attempt to present a play about football hooliganism in a fraught atmosphere in the north of England with wonderful effect,t and vastly educational. Max Dorey’s set and costume designs are intuitive as we not only delve into the bitter rivalry of football fans, but the frustration on a certain individual whose past makes a disappointing reappearance with immense affect, this is conveyed as the set soon unravels into destruction. Overall, one found the experience of ‘Marching on Together’ to be an intriguing and somewhat compelling one. Most definitely a ticket purchase here.