Cowdenbeath FC have gone from Central Park to centre stage at Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum theatre, with the play Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil receiving rave reviews.
It’s running now with daily showings through in the capital until Saturday, May 23.
A large group of current and former players attended a performance last Monday along with others associated with the team, and their verdict was five stars.
A statement from the club said: “You don’t need to be a Cowdenbeath supporter, or even a football fan, to enjoy it.
“Because while football sits proudly at the heart of the story, this show is really about people. It’s about family, belonging, grief, community, humour, loyalty, and the pull of home.
“The theatre itself was packed, and by the end the cast deservedly received a standing ovation from the audience.”
Gary McNair’s stage adaptation of the book, first published in 1993 and written by Ron Ferguson, follows protagonist Sally who comes back to the town from her big city life in London following the death of her father.
She wants to fulfil his wish of having his ashes scattered on the pitch, but the rule that this could only happen after a home win presents itself as a problem.
Among those who took in a performance were Cowden legends Neil Irvine, Eric Archibald, and Graham Buckley.
Tickets are still available for the show on the venue's website.
The club statement continued: “There was even some light-hearted debate on the night surrounding Eric Archibald’s now infamous own goal mentioned during the production although thankfully David Allan, our club historian was on hand to confirm the facts were indeed correct.”
A mention of Wee Jimmies elicited huge cheers from owners Gary Roy and Linda Ferris, along with the rest of the crowd.
Critics have shared in the Fife delegation’s enthusiasm, with a five star review in the Herald along with three stars in both the Times and Guardian.
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