The Greater Game

The Greater Game tells the fascinating true story of the 41 men who swapped the football fields of London for the battle fields of the Somme in 1916. East London football club Leyton Orient, then known as Clapton Orient, was the first team to sign up its players, staff and supporters to fight in the Great War. 41 men volunteered in all. Three of them never returned.

Based on the book 'They Took The Lead' by Stephen Jenkins, this new play of love, friendship and loss tells both sides of the story from the flag waving patriotism to the conscientious objectors.

Bermondsey-born Playwright Michael Head swapped the boxing ring for performing when in his early teens. He trained at the Miskin Theatre and the London School Of Musical Theatre. Plays include Worth A Flutter (Old Red Lion). He wrote the music, lyrics and book to comedy musical Sword and the Dope (Kings Head and transfer to Greenwich Playhouse).