SIR BOBBY’S STORY TAKES A DRAMATIC TURN

A new play written by Jarrow playwright, Tom Kelly, and inspired by Sir Bobby’s life and legacy, opens this July at The Customs House in South Shields.

Focusing on three very different individuals and the ups and down life throws at them, ‘Bobby Robson Saved My Life’ promises to be a heart-warming, inspirational and uplifting piece that celebrates not only Sir Bobby’s life, but the impact he had on so many.

Directed by Jamie Brown, it focuses on Sir Bobby’s legacy and explores the capacity of one person to have a dramatic effect on the life of another, without ever knowing it.

Every performance will raise funds for our Foundation and Lady Elsie and son, Andrew Robson, met with Tom Kelly and Gareth Hunter, one of the play’s producers, to chat about the play at one of their regular get-togethers to thank fundraisers.

Lady Elsie said: “I’m very much looking forward to seeing this new play.

“Tom’s explained it’s not only about Bob, but about how people can affect other people without even knowing them. That’s something we see regularly when we meet fundraisers and people receiving treatment through our Foundation.

“I’m sure it will be an interesting and entertaining night and I’m touched that every performance will help raise funds to support our charity.”

At a recent fundraiser get-together in Newcastle, Tom said: “It was a lovely informal event and meeting Lady Elsie and Andrew was a real pleasure.

“They really made us feel a part of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation ‘family’. Writing the play is already becoming something very special.”

‘Bobby Robson Saved My Life’, which is co-produced by Ion Productions and Quayside Productions in association with The Customs House, has its premiere at The Customs House on 16th July and runs there until 20th July.

It will then go on to play at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich (31 July), where the football legend enjoyed such great success with Ipswich Town, and the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle (2-4 August).

Gareth Hunter, from Ion Productions, said: “It was fantastic to meet Lady Elsie and Andrew and chat about the show’s development and about Sir Bobby. It was a great event celebrating people who have raised or are currently raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“We can’t wait for the opening night in the North East. And we’re sure the performance in Ipswich will be emotional, especially as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Sir Bobby’s passing.”

As part of the play’s development, people are being asked to upload a video of themselves describing Sir Bobby in three words to social media, using the hashtag #3wordsforBobby. A number of famous faces have already done so.

Tickets for Bobby Robson saved My Life at The Customs House are priced from £20 and available from the box office on (0191) 454 1234 or online at www.customshouse.co.uk.