A stage show celebrating the life of Alan Ball is set to be revived thanks to funding from Everton.
‘Ball of Fire’ charted the life and times of the late Blues midfielder and World Cup winner after appearing in various theatres across Merseyside earlier this year.
The play was narrated by ex-Everton player Ronnie Goodlass and received the blessing of Ball’s family, who showed their support by attending the shows.
But the production is set to return for second run in 2017 after it attracted the attention of Goodison Park officials, including chief executive Robert Elstone.
Everton have since pledged their financial backing to restore the show, written by fans Bobby Parry and Kenny O’Connell, in the build-up to the 2017/18 season.
An initial four-date run will begin at St Helens Theatre Royal on August 3, the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool a day later and a back-to-back shows at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion on August 5 and 6.
The Football Association have also provided their backing to the tribute to one of England’s 1966 icons while the Toffees will also be aiding the play’s promotion.
“Robert Elstone came to see the play, he told us he’d loved what he’d seen and asked us to get in touch,” Parry told the Liverpool Echo.
“It’s just unbelievable what Everton are doing, all of the support and more that they’re giving us.
“This is going to bring the play up to where it belongs.”
For tickets and more information, visit www.ticketline.co.uk/the-ball-of-fire.