THERE'S bad news for anyone who goes to the theatre to get away from all the soccer on television.

There'll be no escape from the dreaded round ball at the Opera House next month when a new comedy by John Chambers and Dave Simpson, I'm Marrying Ryan Giggs is given its world premiere. Not only is the story centred around a fanatical football family - called the Balls, of course - but there are voice overs by John Motson, the BBC Sports commentator.

Paul Farrah Productions, in association with the Liverpool Playhouse, are presenting this hilarious new comedy of a family divided by its fanatical football passions and obsessions. Alison Darling, Pauline Flemming, Iain Jones and Geneieve Walsh have already been signed up for the "team."

Timed to coincide with the opening of the 1997-98 season, the play will kick off under the watchful eye of Richard Williams.

Mum supports Manchester United, Dad is a Manchester City fan while their "football orphan" daughter endeavours to support both to keep the peace. Her boyfriend is disillusioned with his dad - a faded 60s football star - and has changed his name to Ryan Giggs and writes poetry about him.

The comic situation is further complicated when it seems that the daughter wants to marry the outcome of a fling her mum had in the 60s with the aforementioned football star.

The show opens at the Opera House on August 19.

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