Bend It Like Bertie in Oban
Bend It Like Bertie, written by Scots football playwright and die-hard Celtic fan Jim Orr, is to be staged at Oban's Corran Halls on Tuesday May 31.
Comedian and Celtic fan Des McLean, who has earned his stripes on stage, radio and television, plays the legendary Scottish midfielder and manager Bertie Auld.
The play is set in the period January 1965 to April 1965. It's not the Bertie Auld story, but Bertie’s football career features heavily.
At that time, Celtic had no reputation in European or world football. They had not won the league or cup in 12 years and supporters were disillusioned. They were only attracting crowds of 10,000 and were in the shadow of Rangers.
Bertie returns to
Celtic in early January and plays a major part in the cup-winning run, culminating in him scoring two goals in the final.
This cup win was the launchpad for Jock Stein's all-conquering Celtic team of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The new comedy play follows the antics of Denise and Danny Mullen.
Denise Mullen is a divorced mother of two teenagers who cares for her elderly father and has an extremely stressful job.
The only thing keeping Denise sane is her beloved Celtic. They are stockpiling trophies and Denise knows just how it feels to be Celtic. Denise is hoping her Celtic can continue their trophy haul. Danny Mullen is footloose and fancy free and looking forward to the New Year.
The only thing getting Danny down is his beloved Celtic. Both Celtic and Danny have forgotten what a trophy looks like and Danny knows just how it feels to be Celtic! Danny is hoping his Celtic can win a trophy - any trophy!
See if Bertie can help make their wishes come true.