The film buffs among you will remember the, well, marvellous TV movie Marvellous which was produced by the BBC back in 2014.

It featured fictionalised versions of many real people including FSA chair Malcolm Clarke, who’s a good mate of protagonist Neil “Nello” Baldwin (played by Toby Jones), and we’re always happy to give it a plug as the FSA gets a few mentions too.

The BBC production, which won three BAFTAs, was actually based on an autobiography written by Nello (and Malcolm) and that book has now hit the stage.

Nello has learning difficulties but this hasn’t stopped him leading an amazing life with a unique CV including both circus clown and centre forward for Stoke City – rumours that similar skill sets are needed for both jobs are entirely unfounded.

He was the club’s kitman at the time and then manager Lou Macari picked him to lead the line against Villa in Gordan Cowans’ testimonial. “It’s the most extraordinary and funny thing I’ve ever seen on a professional football field,” says Malcolm.

Tickets 

You can get your tickets for the New Vic (Stoke) as the show will run until 8th October. Marvellous will then run from 14th October until 26th November at Soho Place – and it’s the first show at the first new London west end theatre in 50 years.