A play about a world-class fighter who started boxing at Consett Boys’ Club and trained on the Consett Hills is to tour the north east next year.

Carrying David will be based on the achievements of Glenn McCrory, who was the first world-title-winning boxer from the north east.

The title fight took place in Stanley on June 3rd 1989, when Glenn beat Patrick Lumumba on points to clinch the world cruiserweight title.

McCrory, aged 24, was very much seen as the underdog against the well-fancied Lumumba.

Carrying David will trace Glenn McCrory’s rise from Consett lad to world champion.

The play’s name comes from the fact that Glenn’s inspiration was his terminally ill younger brother, David.

David suffered from a neurological condition called Fridriech’s Ataxia, which affects balance, mobility and coordination.

Carrying David – which will be put on by Wisecrack Productions with the support of Arts Council England – will tour the north east in May and June next year.

The Stanley performance of the play will be held at the Alun Armstrong Theatre on June 3rd – which will mark the 30th anniversary of Glenn’s amazing victory.

The play’s producers have a special favour to ask of the residents of Consett and Stanley.

They are planning a touring exhibition to accompany the play and would like to include photos of memorabilia from the fight in it. If anyone has any memorabilia the producers can photograph, they would be very grateful.

Ewan Waugh, from Wisecrack Productions, said, “The fight was broadcast live worldwide and is still one of the biggest events in north-east sporting history – one of ours fighting for a boxing world title!”

“It took place in the Luisa Centre in Stanley, which had a capacity of 2,000, but by all accounts there appeared to be a lot more people crammed in that night.”

“Glenn wasn’t fancied to win, but – aided by the magnificent crowd and David – he was lifted and inspired to outpoint Lumumba, a top-class opponent.”

“Unfortunately, it was the days before social media. However, we’d love to hear from anyone with a programme, tickets, posters, leaflets or other mementos we can photograph for our exhibition.”

Anyone who has any such items can contact Ewan on 0191 4550 608 or at www.wisecrackproductions.co.uk.

As well as Stanley, the play and exhibition will visit Newcastle, Blyth, Whitley Bay, Hartlepool and South Shields.

(Featured image courtesy of Glenn McCrory.)


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DavidSunderland
David writes about local news, thought provoking stories, and yearns to capture the community spirit with a unique writing style.

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