An Ordinary Hero: The Jack Harrison Story

An incredible true story of outstanding talent and unimaginable courage.

An exciting new production of the play written by Ian Peter Judson, presented by the Pony Express Theatre Company, is being staged at Park Street Performing Arts Centre from Friday 8th November to Sunday 10th November.

Enthralling and tragic, “An Ordinary Hero” chronicles the life of Hull born and bred John “Jack” Harrison from his humble beginnings to the trenches of the Great War in Oppy, France.

Jack was very much a family man, living with his wife and childhood friend Lilian down Wharncliffe Street whilst working as a teacher at Lime Street School. He played professional rugby for Hull FC at the Boulevard and accomplished his lifelong ambition of scoring a try in the 1914 Challenge Cup final in the 6-0 victory against Wakefield Trinity. Jack Harrison still holds the unbroken record of scoring 52 tries in one season to this day.

Answering the call of duty from his country during the Great War, Jack signed up for the army in 1915 and was commissioned as a Temporary 2nd Lieutenant in the East Yorkshire 11th (Tradesmens) batallion. In February 1917 he was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in action.

On 3rd May 1917, Jack led his platoon on a night raid again the German positions at Oppy Wood. Losses were great and the attack failed. With his brigade pinned down by enemy gunfire, Jack singlehandedly charged a machine gun, successfully halting the barrage but was killed outright. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallant self-sacrifice.

Directed by Laura Suter with a stellar, all-local cast of Chloe Oldridge-Field, Julie Lloyd, Kev Shepherd, Jayden Platten, Dave Ross and Christopher C. Corbett as Jack, join us for an unforgettable journey of a Hull legend in this vivid and moving production.

Proceeds from sales will be donated to the Jack Harrison VC MC Statue Campaign.

Please note, this production contains flashing images, smoke and strobe lighting effects.