Former EastEnders star Shaun Williamson is tipped to play the role of Sam Allardyce in a new England musical about his controversial 67 days in charge of the Three Lions in 2016.
Auditions have commenced for the production, which is understood to have been secured using Lottery funding, and is expected to debut in the back room of the Dog and Duck pub in Southend later in the year.
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The show is the brainchild of Dave Smith, one of the regulars at the venue and a bit of a musical aficionado.
“When I heard they were going to do a play starring Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate I was gutted because I’d been planning something like that for years, but then I had an even better idea – a musical about Big Sam.
“I’ve seen all the greats, West Side Story, Evita etc, and I want to put little pieces of those back into this production.
Football fans of all ages will love it and it will put Southend on the map
Paddy Power News was keen to learn how Mr Smith had had drawn the attention of Williamson, best known for his portrayal as Barry Evans in the long running soap, to the role.
“He’s been doing a bit of painting and decorating down here in-between stunts with Paddy Power and when I asked him he jumped at the chance. He’s even offered to paint the set for free and do a couple of silly videos for the socials.
“Everyone knows he’s got a great pair of lungs on him and he’s already getting into character ahead of rehearsals.
Last night he was glugging pints of wine
Other roles remain to be filled too, but Dave told us he was confident of landing more big names.
“We’ve been in touch with a few big hitters” he explained, “Les Dennis is in panto down here later in the year and he’s reported to be keen on playing Sammy Lee.”
“I’m also currently in discussion with a former Love Island contestant about their possible availability.”
We asked the Dog and Duck’s landlord if he was prepared for the publicity that is bound to be generated when the show opens?
“Oh absolutely” he replied, “If it means me having to hire one more bar person to deal with the volume, then so be it.
“I have told Dave however, that we can’t sell tickets for Tuesday’s as its darts night and we need the back room for the buffet, and every second Thursday is quiz night and I can’t upset my regulars by shifting it.”
*Paddy Power’s breaking news coverage is 110% nonsense and that’s the truth. Honest.
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