ALAN Shearer is to make his theatrical debut in a play called Wor Bella, about munitionette footballers during WW1.
The Geordie football superstar and TV pundit has filmed a to-camera piece that involves him talking about Bella Reay (Wor Bella) the Blyth Spartans Ladies centre forward who scored an incredible 133 goals in 30 games between 1917 and 1918.
Shearer's analysis is set against the backdrop of the Munitionettes Cup final in May 1918, which was attended by 22,000 people.
Read more: When women were banned from playing football on men's grounds
Blyth Spartans Ladies beat Bolckow Vaughan of Middlesbrough 5-0 to win the cup that involved dozens of women's teams from throughout the North East of England Bella Reay scored a hat-trick in the final.
Describing the move as a "massive coup" Ed Waugh, writer and producer of Wor Bella, said: "In latter days Bella has been described as "the Alan Shearer of her day", so who better to ask for his half-time analysis of cup final than the great man himself.
"It is a massive coup for us."
The 1996 UEFA Golden Boot winner holds the record number of goals for Newcastle United (148 in 303 matches), and as a Premiership player for Southampton and Blackburn Rovers he also notched 135 goals in 256 games. His tremendous record included 30 goals for England in 63 games.
Ed continued: "Alan has been tremendous. As soon as he heard about the story he came on board and provided his time for free.
"To thank Alan for his support, we are delighted to do post-show collections for the Alan Shearer Foundation.
Read more: Cheltenham 2022 tips: Cheltenham Festival day 1 tips
"The Foundation was set up to directly support the Alan Shearer Centre in Newcastle which is run by St Cuthbert’s Care and provides a range of specialist respite, residential and social facilities for people with complex disabilities and acute sensory impairments.”
Alan said: "The story of the munitionettes who saved the WW1 war effort - working 60 hours a week in dangerous and physically demanding conditions - and still found time to play football for wartime charities, is both incredible and inspirational.
"I'm proud to be part of this excellent project and play."
Wor Bella, starring Lauren Waine as Bella Reay, will premiere at Blyth Phoenix Theatre in Northumberland on Friday, March 25, before touring the North East, taking in Hexham Queen Hall, Newcastle Theatre Royal (studio), Alnwick Playhouse, Playhouse Whitley Bay and ending at South Shields Westovian Theatre, South Shields on Saturday, April 2.
Visit www.worbella.co.uk for further details.
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here