A Night in November is a play of two halves

A Night in November, a comedy about the sectarian troubles, which uses the game of football to demonstrate the deep cultural divisions in the region, has been written by Marie Jones, who also wrote the highly-successful West End play Stones in His Pockets.

The switch to Basingstoke comes after six weeks touring in Ireland - the dates representing the only chance to see it in England - and by the time it's all over, Gavin will be totally wrecked!

"I play about 25 characters - it's a one-man show," he explains.

"I've been on tour with Stones in His Pockets and when they decided to stage A Night... again for its 10th anniversary, as the peace process wasn't getting any better, I became involved. The reaction in Ireland has been huge - this is 10 times as funny as Stones."

Set during the World Cup qualifying match between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in 1994, it's dealing with powerful subject matter, but perhaps laughter really is the way to get a message through.

Gavin says: "The first section really shocks people, but then they get caught up in it and the laughter creates a momentum which takes you through to the end.

"It is educational about the situation, but the universal nature of football means that anyone can relate to what's happening."

Touring has meant that Gavin, 34, hasn't been home to Banbridge for any length of time in the last few years. But he's enjoying the chance to hone his craft in such an intense way.

"I think I'm very lucky. It's very difficult to make a name for yourself in acting. If you're still there in your 30s, there are a lot of people who have dropped out of the profession.

"I'm a real perfectionist - I get annoyed with people when they don't get things right.

"In this show, I've no one to blame but me."

A Night in November runs from Monday, January 17, to Saturday, January 22. Tickets are available from the box office on 0870 770 1088.