"Always call it the Scottish Play"

Talking about past efforts to relocate the Poppies has reminded us of one of Mallinger's last efforts in that regard. Showing a sharpness of purpose which was sadly absent when negotiating Peter Morris's 30-year contract extension, PM hit upon the idea of combining our new ground with a new theatre. The poor excuse for a theatre on St Mary's Road was in it's last year, and it was common knowledge that the wife of then leader of Kettering council was of a theatrical bent.

It seemed a workable idea. Build both a football ground and theatre on the same site. Presumably using the same car park, if not the same dressing rooms. Hamlet in a jockstrap works about as well as Lee Harper wearing make-up and tights. Damn, that image won't disappear out of my head for a while...

All of the interested parties were invited up to the social club to look over the plans. Suddenly I was in the surreal environment of a room half filled with our assorted freaks and gumbies, and half-filled with theatrical luvvies wondering what the hell they'd let themselves in for. It was a sight to behold. On the same table you had one of our cross-eyed, beenie hat wearing gimps from the villages, alongside retired brigadiers and JPs wearing cravats and and Panama hats. Bernie probably shifted more of those individual red wine bottle that evening than over the previous half a dozen seasons.

Speakers from the theatrical side of the room spoke eloquently and projected their clear voices during the debate, enunciating vigorously the need for this new venture to succeed for the sake of both partners in this endeavour. Our half-wits cheered when a glass was dropped.

Of course, as ever, nothing came from this meeting. Other than half a room of people deciding to burn their clothes once they got home.

But it wasn't all bad news. Although the Poppies were allowed to limp on, somehow the funds were mysteriously accrued to build a new theatre in the town. It just shows what can be done when the political will is engaged, a group of dedicated people put the effort in, and, of course your hubbie runs the council!