The Merlin theatre is excited to be hosting an exhilarating new play, ENG-ER-LAND, which explores the connection between football and national identity.

Written and performed by Hannah Kumari, ENG-ER-LAND is an uplifting, energetic and fun play but doesn't hold back as it tackles racism, identity politics, lad culture and masculinity.

Set in 1997 - the year after England made it to the semi-finals of Euro 96, when Gina G came third in Eurovision - the show tells the story of how 13 year-old Lizzie fell in love with the beautiful game but then something happens to make her question her place in the stands.

Hannah Kumar, whose acting credits include Britz and Skins, and who plays Lizzie, says: "I wrote ENG-ER-LAND in June 2020 in the wake of the BLM protests .... It made me sad and angry that we are still in this position. I felt compelled to reflect on my own experiences at football matches as a mixed raced teenager growing up in the 90s, and now as a woman."

Hannah adds: "The play is also an exploration of my mixed-race identity, and the idea of Englishness – what does it mean to be English and who gets to define that? I wanted to write a play that was fun and uplifting, whilst also confronting big issues."

ENG-ER-LAND is on 15th March, 7.30pm and with prices at only £8.50 and £10.50 and the bar opening prior to the show, organisers are keen to encourage everyone in town, not just regular theatre-goers, to come along and see 'who is really on your team'?

Full details www.merlintheatre.co.uk