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Allardici’s is a surreal comedy musical about football, fame and what happens when you defy expectations.
Set in a the fictional Allardici's, a Costa Blanca lounge bar owned by Sam Allardyce, Big Sam now holds court with his regulars. Safely away from the prying media and disparaging labels from football after his brief spell as England manager, Sam finally has some peace. Until a ragtag group of Bolton fans arrive, keen to help him reclaim the narrative.
In Development
Allardici's is currently in early development.
With support from Arts Council England, Bolton Wanderers Football Club and Octagon Bolton, we've begun building the show alongside the people who know the story best: Bolton Wanderers fans.
We've already held creative workshops at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, collecting memories, anecdotes and perspectives from supporters who lived through the Big Sam years. Those conversations are now feeding directly into the next stage of development.
Over summer 2026 we'll spend time in the rehearsal room with our creative team and actors, exploring themes, characters, music and theatrical ideas before writer Jamie Walsh begins work on the first draft of the script.
Development will continue throughout 2026 and 2027, with work-in-progress sharings inviting feedback from fans, the club and theatre audiences as the show evolves.
Our ambition is to premiere Allardici's as a full-scale production in 2028.
Creative Team
Jamie Walsh – Writer & Producer
Olivia Race – Director
Bay Bryan – Co-Composer & Musical Director
Claire O'Connor – Co-Composer & Musical Director
Chris O'Connor – Dramaturg
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