West Bromwich Albion legend’s life and legacy told in play
THE tragic story of West Bromwich Albion icon Laurie Cunningham – killed in a car crash after a life battling racism – is to be told in a hard-hitting touring play.
Getting The Third Degree will shine a light on the highs and lows of the Baggies legend in an inspirational life cut all too short.
The production explores how he triumphed over racial abuse and physical threats, often orchestrated by the National Front, through a combination of footballing brilliance, charismatic style and compelling dignity.
Written by award-winning playwright Dougie Blaxland and directed by Roughhouse Theatre, the play has been commissioned for the 25th anniversary of Kick It Out’s campaign to tackle racism and discrimination.
Laurie Cunningham’s niece Rhodene Cunningham said: “He was a very special man loved by us all. We hope his pioneering story will be an inspiration to everyone.”
As a swaggering and often unplayable winger, Laurie rose to prominence with Albion in the late 1970s.
The first of the club’s black footballing trio, his dazzling skills earned comparisons with Pele.
He played alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, and a statue honouring the trio stands in West Bromwich.
Cunningham was the first black player to sign for mighty Real Madrid in 1979. He was the first millionaire black footballer – and only the second to win a full cap for England.
He inspired a generation of young black players to follow in his footsteps before he died in a car crash in Madrid in 1989. He was just 33.
Mr Blaxland said: “Incorporating 1970s funk, soul, blues, jazz, jive dance, football chants, contemporary commentary and social and political speeches, Getting The Third Degree vividly recounts a tense and troubled period in the history of football and society.”
Roisin Wood, Kick It Out’s chief executive, said: “In an organisation committed to changing deeply embedded attitudes you cannot simply repeat the same message in the same way year after year.
“The commissioning of this play – and the development of the education pack – is an attempt to engage new audiences in our ongoing mission to combat racism in football.”
The tour kicks off on Tuesday, October 22, to coincide with Black History Month UK, and will visit the Mac Theatre in Birmingham on November 1.