It’s a love letter to Leeds United’s eccentric former boss Marcelo Bielsa as Shobna Gulati and Reece Dinsdale play Sue and Howard, a Yorkshire couple navigating a diagnosis of dementia. As they deal with the traumatic aftermath of that news, they find comfort cheering on their beloved Leeds United as they returned to the Premier League during the Argentinian’s glory days in his first two years as he developed a style of flowing football that became known as ‘Bielsaball’.
Shobna Gulati is best known for iconic roles including Anita in Victoria Wood’s sitcom Dinnerladies and Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street. Shobna also portrayed Mari Hoff in the UK tour of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, and Ray in the West End production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Reece Dinsdale is a Yorkshire based actor and director who starred in the Playhouse’s inaugural production, Wild Oats, and went on appear at the theatre in Alan Bennett’s autobiographical piece Untold Stories, Richard III and as Halvard Solness in an updated version of Henrik Ibsen’s (the fall of) The Master Builder.
Dinsdale also appeared on the Weatherfield cobbles playing Joe McIntyre in and crossed the Pennines as Paul Ashdale in Emmerdale. He’s also starred in high profile TV dramas including Threads, Jim Henson’s Storyteller (both BAFTA award, Take Me Home, Spooks, Life on Mars, Conviction and Silent Witness.
“I’m honoured to play Howard in Through It All Together at Leeds Playhouse – a heartfelt piece that so many will relate to, “says Reece Dinsdale. “Whether it’s through the beautifully observed portrayal of someone living with dementia and the people who care for them, something many of us have experienced, or through the deep connection of being a football fan, this play speaks to the heart.
“I have to say I’m a dedicated Huddersfield Town fan, so I know the love a football fan has for their team is unfaltering – whether it’s Huddersfield, Halifax, Real Madrid or Leeds United. If you know what it means to live through a club’s highs and lows, you’ll understand the extraordinary love affair Leeds had with Marcelo Bielsa.”
Joining Reece and Shobna on stage will be Bradford’s Natalie Davies, Leeds’ Dean Smith, who is also a presenter on the The Square Ball, a Leeds United blog, podcast, and livestream series, and Everal A Walsh, who recently starred in the Olivier nominated Animal Farm at Leeds Playhouse.
Written by life-long Leeds United supporter Chris O’Connor, the play is a meditation on the power of the beautiful game, and the unique way football memories unite families and fans.
“Through It All Together is the culmination of two things I felt compelled to write about,” reflects Chris O’Connor. “It tells a story of dementia that isn’t just a narrative of loss, but one that balances the challenges with hope, showing how people can still live well despite it.
“It’s also my tribute to Marcelo Bielsa, who not only inspired a weary fanbase and brought my beloved Leeds United back to the Premier League but stood as a man of principle and integrity in the money-driven world of modern football. This play is a love letter to him, to Leeds United, and to the power of love in helping us overcome life’s challenges.”
Through It All Together is the Courtyard Theatre from 23rd June – 19th July. Age 11+. Box office 0113 213 7700or online www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk