Celtic The Musical '˜captures the full story' - McGuinness

McGuinness, who is Performance Consultant and Assistant Under 20 Coach at Celtic FC, as well as Ulster & All Ireland winning manager with Donegal, aid the play captures “the full story of the history of the club”.

Mr McGuinness said; “The musical is based on a family who are saying goodbye to a loved one so the whole story is about the times they enjoyed together and many of them are centred around Celtic FC.

“Being a Celtic supporter, it encapsulates this family and the timeline from when the club was first formed all the way through Willie Maley; the likes of Jimmy McGrory and Jinky Johnston, Jock Stein, Tommy Burns, Billy McNeill and even Henrik Larsson in latter years.

“It brings the audience on this journey that also encapsulates the music of each time.”

Mr McGuinness added: “It reflects the history of the football club and the journey the club has made but also the special connection between the club and its supporters. The microcosm of that is this one particular family.

“It is very humorous. It is really good fun and enjoyable. It does capture the full story of the history of the club.”

The show is running nightly tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at the Millennium forum after a sell out run in Glasgow.

The show has been created by Alterean Media with the official backing and support of Celtic

Football Club.

It takes audiences on an emotion-charged journey from the foundation of the football club by Brother Walfrid and its charitable origins through Willie Maley’s legendary successes as manager and the scoring feats of Jimmy McGrory.

From the wing wizardry of Jimmy Johnstone to the triumphs of the immortal Jock Stein and the lasting legacy left by icons such as Billy McNeill, Tommy Burns and Henrik Larsson.

Cast include Paul Samson (River City), Julie Duncanson (River City, Waterloo Road) and Keith Warwick (My Parents Are Aliens).

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Celtic is a club like no other, with the richest history and tradition and a wonderful story which deserves to be told in this way.

“The musical will be a celebration of Celtic, one of the world’s true great football clubs and will take the audience on a fantastic journey through almost 130 years of history.

“We are sure this production will be extremely popular with all our supporters”.

Celtic legend Bertie Auld added: “This is a must see show for all Celtic fans”.

Writer, Nicky Allt, said: “Glasgow Celtic is a story about people, about immigration, and about a football club born of purpose. Growing up in Liverpool my family were always aware of Brother Walfrid, Celtic and its charitable foundations. Since then it has always been a story that resonated with me, fascinated me, and a story I always wanted to tell.”

Tickets are available from 028 71264455 or via www.millenniumforum.co.uk.