GUISELEY Theatre’s brand new play ‘On Hallowed Ground’ which uses real fans’ experiences to tell the story of the club's famous path to victory in the 1991 FA Vase, takes to the stage from July 21st to the 24th.

It’s 1991 and Guiseley AFC are heading to Wembley to play in the final of the FA Vase against Gresley Rovers, but the drama doesn’t all happen on the pitch!

This brand new piece of theatre, produced by Codswallop CIC with support from Leeds Inspired and Guiseley AFC, is written using real life stories of real life fans of Guiseley AFC.

Jacob Phillips, Artistic Director of Codswallop CIC, who is directing the play said: “Working on this play has well and truly been a baptism of fire for me, learning the rules, the lingo and the culture of community football clubs. I have been working in and with communities all my working life and I can recognise a strong, passionate and welcoming community from a mile off; the fans of Guiseley AFC are just that. I have lived in Guiseley most of my life and despite not being a football enthusiast, Guiseley AFC is very much a part of my childhood memories.

“For as long as I have known it, Nethermoor Park has been an asset to Guiseley, a thriving community and a home to so many. So when it came to planning a play to celebrate a community, Guiseley AFC was the obvious choice. As soon as we began researching, meeting with fans and the club the passion was evident. With everyone we spoke to, an excitement took over, memories came flooding back and the same point was reiterated over and over again: Guiseley was different. Guiseley was a family and the ground and its fans have seen each other through thick and thin, whether it be promotions and relegations or divorces and becoming parents. This became the basis of our story. On our first visit to a match with our play making head on, many years ago now, we stepped foot in the club house and were welcomed by a wise old familiar face I knew from another community group we had worked with. “Na’then lad, you’re on hallowed ground now son”. I can still remember that thick, calm Yorkshire accent welcoming us into the space and into the community, and the feeling of knowing we had the title for the show there and then before any of the script was written. Since then we have spoken to countless fans who have given their stories and memories, their knowledge and input in the rehearsal room, and I hope that you will see when you watch or read this play, that passion comes through.”

The play will be taking place at Guiseley Theatre 21st-24th July, 2022 with performances at 7.30pm each day with matinees at 2.30pm on the Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets range from £5-£12 and are available to buy at guiseleytheatre.org/boxoffice or 0333 666 3366.