Description
Bill Cronshaw of Dreamshed Theatre is known to many Manchester City supporters who have seen his City-related shows ‘I’ll be Bert’, ‘Maine Road Blues’, ‘Shalalalalalee’ and ‘City 125 – The Club With No History’. The pandemic put paid to all theatre productions in 2020, when Bill’s new show ‘What it is to be Blue’ was due to be touring. However, he has adapted his script into this book form so that it can be performed and enjoyed from the comfort of our own armchairs! Fans of our national game will identify with Bill’s humorous and wistful reflections of over sixty years spent supporting his favourite team!
Teresa Williams –
For someone who neither watches football nor supports a club, it surprises me to say that I loved this little gem of a book about how one fan’s love for one club blossomed and grew. Bill Cronshaw’s account of his devotion to Manchester City is a special piece of social history. We see through the eyes of one fan and share memories of a childhood in which a football club dominates the everyday hum of life.
What fascinates a football sceptic is that Bill’s obsession helps make sense of the mass of heaving humanity on the terraces. Every one of those standing next to Bill has a story of their love for the Blues just waiting to be told.
Find the lovely moments in this book that show that every fan has a memory of a playground and Manchester City; of Christmas morning and Manchester City; of just about everything and Manchester City. Every fan had a mate, a dad, a hero, a first match, a Mr Lacey. Every fan knew the history and had a dream.
Bill’s childhood and growing up is told in little episodes each one linked to the club he loves.
Whatever your club and whatever your interest in the game you can’t help but enjoy this glimpse into a Manchester and a game ….one .sadly long gone and one thriving.
admin (verified owner) –
“I’ve just devoured it! What a fantastic piece of work and I think anyone, regardless of team, could see something of themselves in it.
I just loved Co-Op Dairy Wanderers B.
Aguero Food and Wine!! Beautiful.
Thanks for some wonderful insight, great memories and some lovely laughs”
– Warren B.
J C M –
As a non-follower of football I found ‘What it is to be Blue’ a thoroughly entertaining read – and I learnt so much!
The author’s delightful reminiscing together with the interesting selection of supporting illustrations and photographs drew me in and both enchanted and amused. The resulting overview of Manchester City Football Club’s history from wayback to its place in the world today and consequent enduring appeal to fans thus amply demystified ‘What it is to be Blue’.