The Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough came alive with the passionate voices of football fans who gathered for an intimate talk with local playwright Alan Spence.
The event was part of the museum’s ‘BORO – A Shirt History‘ exhibit, which chronicles the rich legacy of Middlesbrough FC through its iconic shirts.
Alan Spence, who grew up in Southbank, opened the session by sharing his deep connection to Middlesbrough and his lifelong devotion to the Boro. Reflecting on the origins of his play, The Boro’s 37 Minutes, Spence recounted the moment that sparked his inspiration. “They do say that when you come from Middlesbrough, you inherit three things: asthma, a passion for the Boro, and a lifetime of being slagged off,” Spence quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
As the afternoon unfolded, Spence delved into his early memories of football, recalling his first match in 1957. “My brother took me to my first football match, which was actually Middlesbrough versus Huddersfield,” he shared. “It was special for a number of reasons. It was a Boxing Day treat, and we were going to be in the boys’ end for the first time. The journey was via the United Red bus, the 72, followed by a walk along Linthorpe Road in what was unseasonably warm weather.”
The talk was not just a lecture but a lively conversation where members of the public shared their own cherished memories of Middlesbrough FC. One audience member reminisced about attending matches with his father in the early 1960s, highlighting the powerful generational connection that football fosters in Teesside.
Spence’s anecdotes were filled with humour and sentiment, particularly when he spoke about his cousin, Allan Spence, a professional footballer. “He did actually play for Sunderland as a junior for three or four games,” Spence noted, with a hint of pride. “He was always the player who got the cleanest shots on the pitch—you know, never got dirty.”
The discussion also touched on the broader cultural impact of football in Middlesbrough. “You always knew that when you went to watch the Boro, it could be brilliant, ordinary, indifferent, or absolutely awful,” Spence said. “But there was always something—something that made it different, an experience you wouldn’t forget.”
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where Spence reflected on the challenges of bringing The Boro’s 37 Minutes to life. He shared insights into the creative process and the importance of capturing the authentic voices of Teesside. “This play is about more than just football,” he explained. “It’s about the people, the community, and the resilience that defines Middlesbrough.”
