A Tale Of Two Cities

This is the story of Hull’s two Rugby League clubs: Hull Kingston Rovers (East Hull and the docks) and Hull FC (West Hull and the traditional fishing community).

The Derbies between the clubs are the guiding narrative of this performance that mixes stories, images and songs to offer a wider context beyond the games.

Rugby League was founded when the working man could no longer afford a hobby or zero compensation for work time lost. This principle fed a wider sense of community and diversity. If you are good enough you can play regardless of class, gender, creed or colour – you can even play in a wheelchair. And how! Never forget that Billy Boston and Clive Sullivan were deemed “not good enough” for Union; that anyone playing RL was excommunicated from Union.

This is the story of how Jack Harrison scorer of 52 tries in 1913-14, killed in action and awarded a VC. How French RL formed the treizistance against the Nazis – after Jeu a XIII was shut down by Vichy and ALL money given to the French RU (never to be returned!); RLers fought in the Spanish Civil War. And then, the triple trawler disaster in 1968 when more men lost their lives at sea – over 10,000 from the 1880s to 1970s. More than any other occupation. This is a game with lungs, heart and a soul.

Then, the dramas of the games – down to the Derby at Wembley when Stevie Hubbard scored and claimed the bragging rights for generations! On this night, we lament the recent passing of Rugby legend Johnny Whiteley and of Mick McGarry, Hull’s Luke Kelly and the epicentre of Hullensian craic.

This is a night for fans of the game; those interested in how sport can be the community glue that binds and, can stand up to be counted on issues far beyond an oval ball. This is the Derby of words and song. Not to be missed!