The show, which was re-staged in a re-written, re-titled version as The Boys in the Photograph in Canada in 2009, revolves around John and Del, two regular teenagers who dream of nothing more than girls and football. And under the watchful eye of their local soccer team coach Father O’Donnell, they both show enough promise to pursue careers as professional footballers. But as political tensions begin to engulf their community, they have more than the fortunes of their team to worry about. Set against the backdrop of the political troubles in Northern Ireland in the early 1970's, The Beautiful Game is described as the story of an ordinary group of teenagers in an extraordinary situation.

The production will be directed by Lotte Wakeham, currently associate director of Matilda in the West End and on Broadway. Other recent directorial credits include Lizzie Siddal at the Arcola Theatre, The Other School for NYMT at St James Theatre and The Kissing-Dance at Jermyn Street Theatre.

The choreography will be by Tim Jackson, musical direction by Ben Holder and design by David Shields. The musical supervisor will be Tom Kelly with casting by Will Burton. It is produced by Kylie Vilcins for PTM Ltd.

The cast will include Niamh Perry, who originated the role of Fleck in Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies and was a finalist on the BBC talent show "I'd Do Anything," as Mary. Also in the cast are Ben Kerr as John, Stephen Barry as Del, Daniella Bowen as Christine, Freddie Rogers as Thomas, Will Jeffs as Daniel, Alan McHale as Ginger, Natalie Douglas as Bernadette and Carl McCrystal as Father O’Donnell.

The company will also include Tom Brandon-Farrell, Leigh Lothian, Shane McDaid, Joanna O’Hare and Charlie Royce. To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7261 9876 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/uniontheatre