Nottingham Playhouse have announced initial casting for the world premiere of First Touch from 7-21 May, a gripping, hard-hitting and heartfelt drama about what it takes to fulfil one’s dreams. 

This world premiere, inspired by the recent abuse scandals in football, is written by rising talent Nathaniel Price (Noughts and Crosses, BBC).

The production features Raphael Akuwudike, in his first stage role since graduating from drama school, as young footballer Clayton.  He is joined by Nicholas Bailey (Eastenders) as Patterson, Claire Goose  (Waking The Dead, BBC) as Freya, Chloe Oxley (Just Charlie) as Serena and Arthur Wilson (Force Majeure, Donmar Warehouse) as Lafferty.

First Touch tells the story of Clayton James, a 17-year-old Nottingham lad who dreams of becoming the next Viv Anderson. With a prodigious talent, the offer of a professional contract at a First Division club and a growing romance with girlfriend Serena, he appears to have the world at his feet.

But life at the beginning of the 1980s isn’t easy for Clayton and his family, trying to make it in an era of racism and hooliganism. And Clayton’s steelworker dad, Patterson, faces an uncertain future as the Thatcher government faces off against the unions.

When his charismatic and powerful former coach, Lafferty, returns after four years away, Clayton is forced to confront painful memories of the past. Can he protect his loved ones from the truth of what he endured?

First Touch is directed by Jeff James, with set and costume design by Charlotte Espiner, lighting by Hansjörg Schmidt, sound by Kieran Lucas, and movement by Kane Husbands.

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.