UK News: 'Cloughie' casting announced for Nottingham's Spirit of the Man

It takes a special kind of man to fill the football boots of one of the East Midlands' greatest heroes. That man is Colin Tarrant, a Nottinghamshire actor preparing to take on the role of Brian Clough in the forthcoming Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company production of OLD BIG 'EAD in THE SPIRIT OF THE MAN: BRIAN CLOUGH TAKES TO THE STAGE – LITERALLY!. Penned by Stephen Lowe and to be directed by Alan Dossor, THE SPIRIT OF THE MAN will be performed at Nottingham Playhouse from 3 to 25 June.

Rehearsing at the Playhouse from early May, Colin Tarrant will be stepping into the formidable shoes with a major part in a world premiere production that celebrates the spirit of Brian Clough. Not only did Brian Clough stun the world with his footballing achievements, but he entertained the masses with his sharp wit, outspoken views and eccentric personality. OLD BIG 'EAD in THE SPIRIT OF THE MAN celebrates all that is inspirational and much-loved about the greatest manager England never had.

A local actor hailing from Shirebrook, near Mansfield, Colin Tarrant is best known for playing Inspector Munroe in ITV's THE BILL for twelve years. A graduate in English & Drama, Colin has performed extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company in productions such as A WINTER'S TALE, TITUS ANDRONICUS and HENRY IV. In 2004 Colin starred in HOLBY CITY (BBC) and toured the UK with the Bush Theatre production THE GLEE CLUB. Colin is a keen Nottingham Forest fan and in his youth had trials with Huddersfield Town, which should stand him in good stead for his new role.

Move aside, D.H. Lawrence and budge up Byron. The East Midlands Inspirational Spirits Division has a new boy on the bench. Old Big 'Ead might be dead, but he's not taking it lying down. Back in this realm, playwright Jimmy is struggling to pull his new Robin Hood drama together. When his muse deserts him, who better to step in than Brian Clough – a man at home with the mighty Forest. 'Cloughie': the most inspirational figure since the guy who first sewed up a pig's bladder and kicked it at his mate. He's got advice for Jimmy, and he's not slow to share it. In Stephen Lowe's heavenly new comedy, 'Cloughie' is back from the beyond and larger than life. If that's possible.

OLD BIG 'EAD in THE SPIRIT OF THE MAN is a show that is set to be as witty and eccentric as its title. To book contact Nottingham Playhouse Box Office on 0115 941 9419 or book online at www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk. This production is sponsored by Russell Scanlan and co-promoted with Experience Nottinghamshire.