I am not a football fan myself, but ‘Fever Pitch’ is not just about football. It is a deep exploration into obsession, its highs and its lows. Paul Hodson’s adaptation of the best selling book taps into issues of identity, class and gender during a time of significant political and social change during the 1970s and '80s. There are nostalgic flashbacks to the days when football was still the “people’s game”, but also painful memories of violence and hooliganism.
James Kermack gives an emphatic performance as Nick. He is immediately likeable, which is lucky because this is a one man show. His energy is astounding as he takes on multiple roles to express Hornby’s fixation for Arsenal Football Club, and the joys and sorrows he endured in following them to the Championship Final. Let’s just say, it's a bumpy ride. An audience member did in fact raise both his arms in celebration of a victory by Arsenal during the play, a reaction that only a truly gripping performance could warrant.
The script is witty and expertly crafted - it generated huge laughs from the audience. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get the football jokes, the point is that Hodson is highlighting the humour in obsessive behaviour, rituals and growing up. At the same time ‘Fever Pitch’ offers a fresh perspective on the football fan. Nick’s love for the game is something you want to be a part of, and his enthusiasm infectious.
