By Steve Pearce

Fans' memories of 1981 to inspire new play at the New Wolsey Theatre

Following the success of the New Wolsey Theatre’s production of Our Blue Heaven in 2018 based on Town’s FA Cup final glory in 1978, the theatre has announced plans for a sequel focused on the highs and lows of the victorious UEFA Cup run in 1981.

The play is scheduled for production in early 2021 to mark 40 years of Town’s European triumph and 20 years of the New Wolsey Theatre too.

As part of the creation of the show, the theatre is asking for stories from those who were caught up in the events of 1981, whether they attended the matches or not, from the FA Cup run, the league matches or the UEFA Cup run. Stories that are funny or quirky, co-incidences and twists of fate, the scramble for tickets, the making of banners, trips to Europe - and even if you were not a fan but got caught up somehow in the events, the theatre would be delighted to hear from you.

Peter Rowe, artistic director at the New Wolsey Theatre, said: “We are committed to sharing stories that resonate with the local community and it was wonderful to see the response to Our Blue Heaven from those that remembered the victory and those younger supporters who could relive the memories they had heard so much about.

“I know that there will be similar stories and adventures to share from 1981 – against a changing society and emerging pop culture too, this was a great year for music. We need the public’s support and memories to achieve such a great show once again.”

Ipswich Town Heritage Society is co-ordinating the collection of these stories which will also be used as part of the ITFC Heritage Society exhibitions.

Send your stories directly to the Heritage Society, including your contact details, to 1981itfc@gmail.com using the subject line ‘UEFA 1981 Memories’.