About

John Bevan: Team Player - from Lions to League
A new play by Mari Lloyd

55 years ago, the British Lions rugby team, with 13 Welsh players, seven from London Welsh, defeated the mighty All Blacks in a Test series. Something that has never been repeated. At 20 years of age, John Bevan was part of that. Two years later, he switched codes to play rugby league, not knowing if this would bring success or ruin his dream of a life in rugby. Because in the 1970s, there was no way back.

Mari Lloyd's new solo play explores the triumphs and challenges of three years in the early sporting career of Welsh rugby player John Bevan, as it chronicles the British Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1971 and the period which followed in 1973, when John left the success of his rugby union roots to "go north" to play rugby league for Warrington.

Performed by Scott Gutteridge, directed by Julia Stubbs and produced by Still Here Productions in association with 20 South Street & Grey Swan. This Autumn Tour, generously supported by S.J.M. Concerts, follows a successful premiere tour to South Wales and Warrington in July 2026.

"Having watched the play in Warrington, I was delighted to help get it more widely seen. The story of John is told brilliantly; I've been a fan of John since the first game I watched Warrington at Wembley in 1975." Simon Moran, S.J.M. Concerts

"This is a magnificent piece of theatre… Actor Scott Gutteridge delivers an absolutely stellar, powerhouse performance… Directed seamlessly by Julia Stubbs, the production balances raw athletic intensity with deeply personal, vulnerable reflections." Warrington Worldwide

Autumn Tour: 8-29 October

29 October, 7.00 pm
London Welsh RFC, Pagoda Room at Old Deer Park, 187 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2AZ
with special guest John Bevan

Tickets: £15

Running time: 95 minutes plus interval | Suitable for Adults, 12+ | Content information: brief strong language, references to isolation and loneliness | Post-show Q&A with the creative team and special guest John Bevan