AN innovative, ground-breaking and brave production, The Saints proved a winner last night.

The newly commissioned play by award-winning young playwright Luke Barnes is right on target as it captures the emotional highs and tortuous lows of being a Saints football fan.

This is a work that triumphs on many levels. It centres on the story of anti-hero Kenny (played by Cary Crankson ), the world’s biggest football fan, and his love interest Emily (former EastEnders and Pramface star Scarlett Alice Johnson), following their turbulent relationship from aged eight to 29 and drawing parallels between their highs and lows and that of the Saints.

It’s a warts and all tale but it is full of energy and humour and at the heart of the play’s message is the undeniable importance of Saints in the life of the city.

The staging of the play works well: a highbred of Jacobean theatre and mock football stadium, with everything from abseiling actors to onscreen cameos of football legends.

In the temporary Guildhall setting it must have posed a technical nightmare but it is both crazy and inspired.

The superhuman efforts of the actors cannot be understated. A cast of eight play countless parts with about 200 costume changes and the appearance of Saints legends Le Tissier and Franny Benali brings a touch of magic to proceedings.

Whether you are a Saints fan or not this is exceptional fun. And if you are a supporter this is definitely not to be missed.

Last night’s performance was rewarded with a standing ovation of ex-Saints players, who laughed heartedly throughout.

As part of a festival celebrating Southampton’s 50th anniversary as a city The Saints will be performed daily throughout the festival – except Monday, August 11 – in the pop-up theatre in Guildhall Square.

Hilary Porter