FEVER Pitch, the hugely successful play adapted by Paul Hodson from Nick Hornby’s best-selling book, will appear at Newport Riverfront this autumn.

From the rootlessness of 1960s suburbia and through the Highbury turnstiles, Hornby was instantly fixated with Arsenal Football Club.

This is his tale of family, football, class, identity and joy.

Harking back to the days when football was the people’s game rather than the plaything of corporate sponsors and oligarchs, Fever Pitch is a timely reminder of the ‘old days’ of the beautiful game.

The play follows Nick’s journey from a young boy, taken to Highbury for the first time by his dad, through adolescence and on into adulthood – with every moment measured against Arsenal fixtures. The true story of what it is to be a fan, football supporters across the land will recognise themselves in Nick, regardless of their team allegiance.

Their friends and families will recognise them too, and maybe understand them a bit better!

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of this groundbreaking book that changed people’s attitudes towards the national game, Fever Pitch is 45 minutes each way of fast, funny, exhilarating theatre.

Fever Pitch will be performed at The Riverfront’s studio theatre on October 4.

Ticket prices are £12, with reductions of £10.

Visit newport.gov.uk/theriver front/ for booking information.